>>Forty or fifty years ago, women had many fewer opportunities in the marts of trade, the professions or the major corporations. Teaching and nursing were the main careers open to most women, and therefore there was a far larger amount of high talent in these professions.>>

I agree entirely.

And given this fact we are unlikely to be able to hire enough teachers of any gender at affordable prices.

That is why education needs to do what every other industry does when labour becomes more expensive - it needs to substitute capital for labour. Hence my article:

If Gonski is the answer what is the question?

http://www.onlineopinion.com.au/view.asp?article=14097

Spending up, performance down over the last decade or so, Gonski must be mad to suggest more money in the trough. After such extended Labor governments the sector and especially in "Management" and “Head Office" the sector would be riddled with sinecures which if cleared would benefit doubly. First the saving of their unearned benefits plus getting them out of the way of front line staff and the many fewer who are actually needed in the office.