Elizabeth Jean Swain AM

A leader for women in engineering and production

Elizabeth Jean Swain, known as Liz, has been a trailblazing figure in the field of engineering and community governance and leadership in Tasmania.

Spending over four decades at Rio Tinto’s Bell Bay Aluminium smelter, Liz became its first female metallurgist (now a Chemical Engineering degree) and a driving force behind advancing the careers of women in the industry.

Liz achieved several historic milestones at Rio Tinto, including becoming the first female to be employed in a senior leadership role at Bell Bay Aluminium. She held pivotal superintendent positions and was instrumental in the establishment of Rio Tinto’s maternity leave policy - a groundbreaking move in a non-traditional industry.

Her work in R&D, project management, cultural change and strategic development contributed to significantly boost the company’s productivity and innovation.

Liz has dedicated herself to community service (such as equestrian, ski patrols and springboard diving) through various board positions.

Her leadership has driven significant organisational changes and improved governance structures in Tasmanian organisations, from disability service, aged care providers, employment and training to financial institutions.

Liz has been a valued member of the Tasmanian Women’s Council, which is instrumental in providing advice to Government on women’s policy matters, since 2023.

Liz’s contributions have been widely recognised, including her award as Tasmanian Business Woman of the Year in 1987 and her appointment as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 2018 for her services to industry and the community. Her work continues to inspire future generations, especially women pursuing careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics).

“Liz Swain’s exceptional leadership in engineering and governance has set a powerful example for women in STEM, leaving an enduring legacy in Tasmania’s industrial and community sectors.” Community testimony.

 Tasmanian Honour Roll of Women