LABOR FIGHTS FOR FAIR PAY FOR WOMEN

ANTHONY ALBANESE MP
LEADER OF THE AUSTRALIAN LABOR PARTY

TANYA PLIBERSEK MP
SHADOW MINISTER FOR EDUCATION
SHADOW MINISTER FOR WOMEN 

TONY BURKE MP
SHADOW MINISTER FOR INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS
SHADOW MINISTER FOR THE ARTS
MANAGER OF OPPOSITION BUSINESS


An Albanese Labor Government will lead a national push to close the gender pay gap.

Research shows Australian women working for companies that report to the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA), earn, on average, $25,534 less than men every year and face a 20% gap in total wages.
 
The situation is only getting worse. A report card released by the WGEA in November 2020 revealed a decline in employer action on gender equity.
 
An Albanese Government will:

  • Legislate so companies with more than 250 employees will have to report their gender pay gap publicly.

  • Prohibit pay secrecy clauses and give employees the right to disclose their pay, if they want to.

  • Take action to address the gender pay gap in the Australian Public Service.

  • Strengthen the ability and capacity of the Fair Work Commission to order pay increases for workers in low paid, female dominated industries.


Labor will also strengthen the National Employment Standards by legislating a right to ten days paid family and domestic violence leave – because women experiencing family violence should not have to choose between leaving a violent relationship and keeping their job.

This announcement builds on commitments Labor has already made to improve job security and pay equity for Australian women; and our commitment to cheaper childcare, including scrapping the $10,560 child care subsidy cap and lifting the maximum child care subsidy rate to 90 per cent.

Only Labor will make sure no woman is held back, and no woman is left behind.

Our message to all women seeking equal pay and secure work is that Labor is on your side.

MONDAY, 8 MARCH 2021

Tony Burke