Media Release

20 May 2020

Pioneer Susan Alberti AC, one of Australia’s pre-eminent philanthropists, businesswoman, role model and mentor to young women, has become the Patron of Tradeswomen Australia.

“We do not want to be superior, just treated as equal,” Susan Alberti AC.

A driving force behind the introduction of the Australian Women’s Football League, Susan Alberti, throughout her life and against the odds, has kicked many goals for community organisations, charities and issues, being well known for her tenacity in the pursuit of justice.

Chair of Tradeswomen Australia, Jane Sydenham-Clarke said Tradeswomen Australia is honoured and grateful to Susan Alberti AC for accepting the appointment, at a time when the organisation is establishing its foundation, strategies and industry networks to extend the prevalence and impact of women across trades in Australia.

“Currently in major trades such as automotive, carpentry and plumbing, women account for just 2% of employment, a level which has existed for a quarter of a century.”

Tradeswomen Australia was established to encourage, recruit, and retain women in skilled trade roles that are male dominated. By recognising the need for change in social attitudes Tradeswomen Australia supports businesses to take the lead and remove the barriers for women who wish to enter their trade.

Ms Sydenham-Clarke said Ms Alberti’s extensive inside knowledge of the building industry having, with her late husband Angelo, established DANSU Group – a highly successful industrial and commercial builder and developer of industrial estates and business parks approximately 45 years ago.

Ms Alberti said the current dismal level of women in trades needs some direct and meaningful action to be taken at an industry and government level, with the support of industry bodies, employers, and unions.

 

“Women are just as capable as men to run and work in building construction companies.

“We do not want to be superior, just treated as equal,” Ms Alberti said.

Media Enquiries:

Ron Smith, Media Communications, Tradeswomen Australia –
Mobile 0417 329 201

Please Note: High res photo of Susan Alberti AC available – please call Ron Smith on 0417 329 201