The latest report from the Male Champion of Change reveals some of Australia's biggest employers are going backwards when it comes to promoting women, despite being led by men who've signed up to support gender equality.

The Male Champions of Change are 30 chief executives, department heads and non executive directors appointed by former federal Sex Discrimination Commissioner Elizabeth Broderick. The membership includes some of Australia's most influential chief executives, ANZ chief executive Shayne Elliott, Qantas boss Alan Joyce, CBA boss Ian Narev and Telstra chief Andy Penn. All have committed to a "significant and sustainable increase in the representation of women in leadership".