Review launched for Workplace Gender Equality legislation and employer reporting obligations

Human Resources: The Morrison Government is conducting a review of the Workplace Gender Equality Act 2012 (WGE Act). The review is seeking feedback from Australians to consider how we, as a nation, can improve workplace gender equality while also addressing the regulatory requirements of employers.

In a statement, minister for women and foreign affairs Marise Payne said the review would consider gender indicators, including the gender pay gap and employment figures, and ongoing employer reporting obligations.

“Improving gender equality in the workplace benefits everyone – individuals, families and business,” Payne said.

The review will also identify areas of future focus for the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) for the next decade, with the purpose of achieving gender equality and supporting the Respect@Work Council.

In Australia, advances continue to be made on gender equality in workplaces. However, there is more to do. The national gender pay gap is 14.2 per cent. There continues to be a substantial workforce participation gap between women and men. More women work part-time (45%) than men (19%). Only a small proportion of men work flexibly or take parental leave. Women make up 33.6% of ASX200 boards and just 6% of the top ASX300 companies have women CEOs. Women are under-represented in senior profit and loss roles in businesses. There remains a gender pay gap in favour of men across all industries, including female-dominated industries.

“The government would like to hear from the community, employers and employee organisations, women’s organisations and academics,” added Payne.

The review is a commitment from the Women’s Budget Statement 2021-22, and will be led by a dedicated review team in the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, in consultation with WGEA.

For more information on the Review, including Terms of Reference and consultation information, please see Consultation on Review of the Workplace Gender Equality Act 2012. Submissions close on 24 November 2021.