Minister for Finance, Minister for Women, Minister for the Public Service, Minister for Government Services
The Albanese Labor Government has driven significant, and overdue, progress in women's equality, including:
- narrowing the gender pay gap and lifting wages
- making childcare cheaper, expanding paid parental leave to six months and paying superannuation on Government paid parental leave
- strengthening workplace protections against violence and harassment and discrimination - including on the basis of breastfeeding
- increasing economic support for single parents and women escaping violence
- making record investments to end gender-based violence and improving access to justice
These and other reforms are highlighted in Australia's ninth periodic report to the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (the Committee), which has been submitted ahead of International Women's Day later this week.
Minister for Women, Senator the Hon Katy Gallagher, said Australia is committed to safeguarding and advancing the rights of women and girls - at home, in our region, and globally.
"This Government has achieved many firsts, including the lowest gender pay gap, 11.5 per cent, and a Federal Parliament with over 52 per cent women," Minister Gallagher said.
"We have already released the first ever national strategy for gender equality, Working for Women: A Strategy to Achieve Gender Equality, which is driving our work to achieve a fairer society. Now, I'm proud to submit Australia's periodic report to the United Nations.
"The Albanese Government is working hard to improve the lives of women and girls in Australia by making early childhood education and care cheaper, expanding paid parental leave to 26 weeks, adding superannuation to paid parental leave, and increasing support for single parents.
"We have also introduced paid domestic violence leave, new workplace protections to protect against sexual harassment and assault at work, and have implemented all recommendations of the landmark Respect@Work report.
"We acknowledge there is a long road ahead to end violence against women, which is why we've committed $4 billion towards the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-2032 and invested $3.9 billion in access to justice.
"Australia is committed to being a global leader in gender equality and paving the way to a more equitable and safe world for all women and girls."
As a party to the Committee, Australia reports periodically on progress to realise gender equality.
Following submission of the periodic report, Australia will be invited to appear before the Committee.
The report can be found here: https://www.pmc.gov.au/resources/ninth-periodic-report-to-cedaw(link is external)
