Gender equality

Equality for women and men in the workplace

Gender equality is when people of all genders have equal rights, responsibilities and opportunities.

The Workplace Gender Equality Act 2012 (Act) replaced the Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Act 1999. The strengthened legislation aims to improve and promote equality for both women and men in the workplace.

The principal objects of the Act are to:

• Promote and improve gender equality (including equal remuneration between women and men) in employment and in the workplace.
• Support employers to remove barriers to the full and equal participation of women in the workforce, in recognition of the disadvantaged position of women in relation to employment matters.
• Promote, among employers, the elimination of discrimination on the basis of gender in relation to employment matters (including in relation to family and caring responsibilities).
• Foster workplace consultation between employers and employees on issues concerning gender equality in employment and in the workplace.
• Improve the productivity and competitiveness of Australian business through the advancement of gender equality in employment and in the workplace.