Minister for Women, Minister for Foreign Affairs
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.
It will consider the current legislation and gender indicators, including the gender pay gap and employment figures, and ongoing employer reporting obligations. 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 [email protected] Council.
Under the Morrison Government the gender pay gap fell to its lowest level on record at 13.4 per cent in November 2020. This represented 4 percentage points lower than the 17.4 per cent gap in 2013. COVID-19 and its impacts has affected that progress. The gap now sits at 14.2 per cent. The Government is committed to ensuring WGEA has the best tools and resources to further drive down the gender pay gap.
The Government would like to hear from the community, employers and employee organisations, women's organisations and academics. Improving gender equality in the workplace benefits everyone - individuals, families, and business.
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.
