Workplace Gender Equality Agency Names Christine Castley as CEO

• Christine Castley appointed CEO of Workplace Gender Equality Agency
• Brings strong public sector leadership and reform experience
• To drive gender equality through data-led workplace initiatives

Christine Castley has been appointed the new CEO of Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) by the Governor-General. In her new role, she will lead initiatives and support programs that promote gender equality in the workplace and advocate for a fair system in which all individuals are treated equally, are represented fairly, and are rewarded equally.

Prior to her appointment as CEO of WGEA, Christine was the CEO of Multicultural Australia from 2020 to 2025, and she has a wealth of experience at a senior executive level in Queensland’s public sector, including the role of Deputy Director-General for both the Department of the Premier and Cabinet and the Department of Housing and Public Works.

Her career includes leadership of the Secretariat for the Special Taskforce on Domestic and Family Violence, which was responsible for the creation of the 'Not Now, Not Ever' report that produced significant reform to eliminate domestic and family violence in Queensland.

She has a bachelor’s degree in laws and a master’s degree in public administration. Christine is skilled in leading and implementing legislation-based solutions to address complex issues and is very familiar with the WGEA's regulatory framework. Throughout her career, she has worked collaboratively with the government, business, and community sectors to implement lasting change on a large scale. Christine’s term as CEO of WGEA will commence on May 19th, 2026, and continue for five years.

Minister for Women, Katy Gallagher said “I am pleased to announce the appointment of Christine Castley as CEO of the Workplace Gender Equality Agency. The Workplace Gender Equality Agency plays a crucial role in progressing women’s economic equality – a key priority for the Australian Government.”

“With her extensive regulatory and legislative experience, Christine  is well placed to lead WGEA and I look forward to working closely with her to accelerate progress on gender equality in Australian workplaces. “I thank outgoing CEO Mary Wooldridge for her dedicated leadership of WGEA over the past five years and wish her all the best for the future”, she added.

Christine Castley, said, “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.

“My focus will be on working closely with employers, grounded in the realities of Australian workplaces, to turn this insight into a measurable and lasting impact on workplace performance”, she added.