SENATOR THE HON KATY GALLAGHER
MINISTER FOR FINANCE
MINISTER FOR WOMEN
MINISTER FOR THE PUBLIC SERVICE
MINISTER FOR GOVERNMENT SERVICES

WORKPLACE GENDER EQUALITY IMPROVING,  BUT LEADERSHIP REPRESENTATION AND PAY GAPS REMAIN

Australia is making significant gains on workplace gender equality, with more policies in place, more flexible work options available, and greater representation of women across the workforce. But the latest Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) Progress Report makes it clear there’s still a long way to go, particularly on leadership representation, closing the gender pay gap, and tackling workplace harassment.

The 2022–24 WGEA Progress Report provides the first 10 year update on key gender equality measures and shows strong progress in several areas. 90% of private sector employers now have a gender equality strategy or policy in place, up from just two-thirds when reporting began 10 years ago.

Flexible working is on the rise with more employers now offering formal flexible work policies that support employees, particularly women, with family and caring responsibilities.

While progress is being made, the report highlights several ongoing challenges. 26% of private sector companies still have no women in leadership roles, progress addressing industry gender segregation is too slow, and while more employers are analysing risks, stronger action is needed to eliminate workplace harassment and discrimination.

The report shows the impact of the Workplace Gender Equality Agency and the power of data,  transparency and accountability to drive progress.

The report also shows that real change requires commitment and action. The Albanese Government is taking concrete action to close gender pay gaps, get more women into leadership positions and better-paying jobs, improve pay equity across all sectors and create safer, more inclusive workplaces for everyone. 

Quotes attributable to Minister for Women, Senator the Hon Katy Gallagher:

“After 10 years of WGEA driving change, we are seeing real progress, with more employers focusing on gender equality, more flexible workplaces, and more women in the workforce.”

“But the data is clear: too many workplaces still lack women in leadership, industry gender segregation remains a stubborn challenge and more must be done to prevent workplace harassment.”

“The Albanese Government is committed to action, not just words, from getting more women into Parliament, to getting more women into better-paying jobs and safer workplaces.”

“This report shows both how far we’ve come and the work ahead. And it shows that change doesn’t happen by accident, it takes commitment, transparency and action.”

“Employers need to redouble their efforts and keep working towards gender equality, because it isn’t a ‘nice to have’, it’s essential for a fair, strong and competitive economy.”

The 2022-24 WGEA Progress Report is available on the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet website.