WA’s mining minister says gender quotas could make workplaces safer. 

The state’s resources sector has been in the spotlight following stories of harassment and assault and a parliamentary inquiry into women's safety in fly-in, fly-out (FIFO) mining.

West Australian Minister for Mines Bill Johnston says gender quotas and targets should be broadly adopted by the mining and resources industry.

He claims that if companies invest in hiring more female workers, it could bring about a cultural shift in the industry.

“All the evidence globally is that gender quotas work because the idea of the quota is to change the culture of a business,” Mr Johnston says.

“I challenge the mining industry to change its behaviour.

“The challenge of sexual harassment, sexual violence and predatory behaviour is going to require men in the industry to change.”

Women in Mining founder Sabina Shugg says gender quotas would be only part of the solution.

“It's all about leadership; it's all about making sure that everyone in every workplace is made welcome,” she said.

“It's about how you recruit so that you can take the discrimination out of recruiting and not just hiring someone who looks like them.”

Rio Tinto chief executive Simon Trott has backed the call for more women to join the sector. 

“We have incredible people working across our business and the mining sector; we need to listen deeply, ensuring their voices are heard,” Mr Trott said.

“A critical part of the process is listening to the lived experiences of women so we can build a more inclusive workplace and foster a culture of change.”