Christine Castley is set to begin a five-year term leading the Workplace Gender Equality Agency next month, after being appointed CEO by the Governor-General today.
Castley will replace Mary Woodridge at the agency, who has held the role since 2021 and oversaw the agency’s first three years of publishing employer gender pay gaps.
Castley was CEO of Multicultural Australia from 2020 to 2025 and has held senior executive roles across the Queensland public service, including as Deputy Director-General of the Department of the Premier and Cabinet and Department of Housing and Public Works.
She also led the Secretariat for the Special Taskforce on Domestic and Family Violence that delivered the ‘Not Now, Nott Ever’ report, leading to significant reforms by the Queensland Government to end domestic and family violence.
Minister for Women Katy Gallagher noted WGEA’s “crucial role in progressing women’s economic equality” and highlighted Castley’s extensive regulatory and legislative experience as making her well placed to lead the organisation and advance workplace gender equality.”
Castley said she will focus on working closely with employers to translate insights from the agency into measurable, lasting improvements in workplace performance.
“The role of WGEA in shaping Australia’s workforce and the way our workplaces operate has never been more important for Australia’s economy and our society. WGEA’s data and reporting provide a clear line of sight to where change is needed.
Castley takes over within weeks of the deadline (May 31) for employers with more than 500 employees to select targets regarding how they’ll advance workplace gender equality.