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Modelling Australian Public Service Careers

Author

Listed:
  • Breunig, Robert

    (Australian National University)

  • Hansell, David

    (Australian National University)

  • Win, Nu Nu

    (Australian National University)

Abstract

We investigate whether being female, from a non-English speaking background (NESB) or having a disability affects career advancement in the Australian Public Service. Over the past twenty years, women have become more likely to get promoted at senior ranks than similar men and just as likely at junior ranks. Disability lowers promotion prospects at most ranks. NESB staff have much lower promotion prospects at higher ranks despite being less likely to separate from the public service. These lower promotion prospects for NESB staff are only partially explained by language proficiency or cultural assimilation. The unexplained remainder could reflect a penalty for having non-European features.

Suggested Citation

  • Breunig, Robert & Hansell, David & Win, Nu Nu, 2023. "Modelling Australian Public Service Careers," IZA Discussion Papers 16549, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp16549
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    public sector employment; affirmative action policies; equal opportunity employment;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J15 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Minorities, Races, Indigenous Peoples, and Immigrants; Non-labor Discrimination
    • J18 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Public Policy
    • J45 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Particular Labor Markets - - - Public Sector Labor Markets
    • J78 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Labor Discrimination - - - Public Policy (including comparable worth)

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