Of the 176 athletes on Australia's Rio 2016 Paralympic Games team 73 athletes, or 41.5 per cent, were female.

That was a higher percentage of female representation than the average of 37.9 per cent among other nations.

Female athletes were also involved in winning 52.4 per cent of Australia’s medals at the Paralympic Games, up from 48.8 per cent at London 2012.

“Under the direction of Australia’s first Paralympic female Chef de Mission, Kate McLoughlin, the Australian Paralympic team achieved incredible results in what was a very challenging environment," said Anderson.

“Both Kate and Australian Paralympic co-captain Daniela Di Toro were central to building a culture that was inclusive, supportive and ready to win."

Among the highlights of Rio 2016 for Australia was Maddison Elliott’s performance in the swimming pool.

With a total of three gold and two silver medals, she was Australia’s best performing athlete at the Games.

The 18-year-old took gold in the 50 metres freestyle S8, 100m freestyle S8 and 4x100m freestyle competitions in the Brazilian city.

Elliott completed her medal haul with silver in both the 100m backstroke S8 and 4x100m medley events.

Para-cyclist Jessica Gallagher was also a stand-out performer for the country.

After achieving a podium finish at the Vancouver 2010 and Sochi 2014 Winter Paralympic Games, she won bronze in the women’s one kilometre B time trial at Rio 2016 alongside pilot Madison Janssen to become the first Australian athlete to medal at both a Summer and Winter Paralympic or Olympic Games.

The performance of 55-year-old Para-cyclist Carol Cooke was also a highlight according to Anderson.

She took gold in both the women's T1-2 time trial and road race.

“One of the real highlights for me was Carol Cooke who, in winning Paralympic gold in both her events, proved to us all that gender, age and disability are no barrier to success on the global stage," added Anderson.