Despite the persisting gender gap, research suggests children in Australia are still aspiring to traditionally gender-stereotypical jobs. With the future of the labour market set to undergo major change Down Under, initiatives are helping support kids in realistically planning their future.

Whether it’s more women in leadership or an ethnically diverse workforce, businesses are taking steps to adopt more inclusive practices in light of the benefits it can bring for both employer and employee. A report from McKinsey & Company has found diversity is more beneficial than ever.

The stereotypical Australian man sees himself portrayed as the breadwinner who doesn't lift a finger at home – think cult 'dumb dad' character Norm Sims. But with Aussie men spending more time doing housework than most developed economies, gendered attitudes are changing.

In 2017, the Emmy Awards awarded black and Muslim men for the first time in history – and these landmark firsts reflected how people no longer see fair cultural representation as a plus, but as an essential. In her book, Diversify, June Sarpong discusses how inclusivity has social and financial benefits for everyone, including businesses focused on their bottom line. “We are losing out on vast amounts of talent by not being inclusive,” she says, presenting research that highlights the fact that not investing further in diversity costs the UK £127 billion per year.