Board gender balance bill introduced

At least 40 per cent of all seats on government boards will have to be filled by women under a new crossbench proposal.

Independent senator Nick Xenophon and three crossbenchers introduced a private bill on Wednesday to mandate the government's aspirational policy for gender-balanced representation on boards.

The policy sets a target of 40 per cent women, 40 per cent men and 20 per cent of either gender and the bill would make those goals an obligation.