The Queensland government is claiming victory over the glass ceiling, saying it’s exceeded its 50 per cent target for women on government boards.

Treasurer Cameron Dick says 54 per cent of positions on government boards are now filled by women, going beyond the 2020 target of 50 per cent.

In 2015 only 31 per cent of government board members were women, he said, singling out initiatives like the regional Women on Boards events for helping even the gender balance.

Recent appointments include Rosemary Vilgan as director of the Queensland Treasury Corporation; Tracey Winters at Queensland Rail; Gail Ker and Catherine Mickel at Seqwater; Monica McKendrey and Lynn Smart at North Queensland Bulk Ports: Julia Leu at Ports North; and Connie Navarro at Port of Townsville.

Four women – Patrice Derrington (QIC); Lorraine Stephenson and Karen Smith-Pomeroy (Powerlink) and heather Watston (Queensland Rail) – were recently reappointed to their board positions.

Roads minister Mark Bailey said boosting women in the boardroom would ensure a range of input into key decisions, particularly for public port and rail assets.

“Each chair and director comes with a unique skillset and significant expertise to ensure operational performance is maximised during the critical phase of COVID economic recovery,” he said in a statement.

Mines and energy minister Anthony Lynham said the latest appointments would ensure government-owned corporations continued to deliver.

“Our GOCs will continue to play a crucial role as Queensland works to bounce back from the heavy impacts of COVID-19,” he said.