Most of the provisions included in the Workplace Gender Equality Amendment (Closing the Gender Pay Gap) Bill 2023 (the Bill) were recommended in the submissions made by NFAW and other women’s organisations to the 2021 Review of the Workplace Gender Equality Act 2012 (the Review).
We are responding to the terms of reference through a gender lens. Women’s workforce participation reflects their role as unpaid carers as it changes over the working lifecycle. The industrial relations framework penalises women as it is based on the male breadwinner model, while the tax-transfer system imposes high EMTRs on second incomes and gender segregation limits career progression.
we particularly want to note and welcome the package of amendments relating to equal remuneration. The provisions in this package fully implement the government’s election commitments, but more than that they display a desire to see pay equity work for women.
NFAW is grateful for the invitation to contribute to the review of the operation of the Fair Work Amendment (Supporting Australia's Jobs and Economic Recovery) Act 2021 (Cth) (the FW SAJER Act). We note, however, that 12 months is a short time in which to establish reliable impact data, especially when employment behaviour during that period has also been affected by the national pandemic response.
The terms of reference of this inquiry are extensive, however we particularly note that the inquiry is focussed on matters that are within the scope of the Victorian Government. The National Foundation for Australian Women has been engaged in a program of work that looks at workforce conditions for women, including many of the areas referenced in the terms of reference of this enquiry.
In the course of our submission, we make some remarks critical of two key recommendations from the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) submission. The burden of our concern is the deregulatory approach underpinning both of these recommendations.
Videos - NFAW supports the launch of Safety, Respect, Equity in demanding a future in which all women enjoy safety, respect and equity. It is within reach and it starts here
The retirement income system affects women and men in different ways; it is not gender neutral. This submission responds to the terms of reference through a gender lens. This submission particularly addresses question 14 in the consultation paper.
The budget process affects women and men in different ways; it is not gender neutral. This submission responds to the terms of reference through a gender lens.
