The Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) has invited feedback on a review of the law covering workplace gender equality in Australia.
The WGEA Review Team, which is based in the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (PM&C) has issued a consultation paper which covers the current legislation, enshrined in the Workplace Gender Equality Act 2012, as well as gender indicators and continuing employer reporting obligations.
PM&C is inviting input from employers, workers, the women’s sector and non-Government organisations, academics and Government Departments of all levels.
“We seek to identify areas of future focus for the WGEA over the next 10 years in order to achieve gender equality and support the Respect@Work Council,” it said.
“Advances continue to be made on gender equality in workplaces, however, there is more to do.
“The national gender pay gap is still 14.2 per cent.”
PM&C said there also continued to be a substantial workforce participation gap between women and men, with more women working part-time (45 per cent) than men (19 per cent).
“Only a small proportion of men work flexibly or take parental leave,” it said.
“Women make up 33.6 per cent of ASX200 boards.
“Women are under-represented in senior profit-and-loss roles in businesses.”
Also, there remained a gender pay gap in favour of men across all industries, including female-dominated industries.
Minister for Women, Senator Marise Payne said the review would seek feedback “on how we, as a nation, can improve workplace gender equality while also addressing the regulatory requirements of employers”.
Senator Payne noted the review was a commitment from the Women’s Budget Statement 2021-22, and would be led by a dedicated review team in the PM&C, in consultation with the WGEA.
Submissions close on 24 November and further information can be accessed on the PM&C website at this PS News link.
