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A plan of action towards gender equality
from Elizabeth Broderick, Sex Discrimination Commissioner
Based on the Listening Tour findings, Commissioner Broderick will focus on the following areas:
Women and leadership
Commissioner Broderick will promote the importance of women's representation in leadership and decision making roles across the community, government and business, with a particular focus on Indigenous women. This will include promoting and facilitating opportunities for women to have their voices heard at a national, regional and international level. The Commissioner will also encourage dialogue between Indigenous women and corporate Australia.
Balancing paid work and family responsibilities
Commissioner Broderick will continue to challenge the way Australians think about work and family balance by promoting the value of family friendly work practices. The Commissioner will lead and contribute to achieving a national scheme of paid leave for parents in Australia. She will work with key stakeholders and advocate to government and other policy makers on the need for a world class scheme of paid maternity leave, supporting parent leave and paid parental leave.
Sexual harassment in Australia
Commissioner Broderick will conduct a national telephone survey to track trends in the incidence and nature of sexual harassment. The research will inform an education strategy using new technologies, aimed at employees and employers to drive down the incidence and impact of sexual harassment. The Commissioner will work to increase the number of employers taking a leadership role on sexual harassment.
The gender gap in retirement savings
Commissioner Broderick will work with experts to investigate the factors contributing to the gender gap in retirement savings and inform solutions for increasing women’s economic independence over their lifetime.
Laws to address sex discrimination and promote gender equality
Commissioner Broderick will contribute to a review of the federal Sex Discrimination Act 1984 (Cth) to ensure that the law is effective to address sex discrimination and sexual harassment experienced by individuals, as well as promoting gender equality in Australian society.
It is a guiding principle in Commissioner Broderick's work to recognise a
diversity of experiences. This is being inclusive of Indigenous women, women
with disabilities, culturally and linguistically diverse women, same sex
attracted women and low paid women. The Commissioner is committed to including
both men and women in her efforts to promote gender equality.
Commissioner Broderick will continue to collaborate with government,
business, community groups, unions, researchers and individuals and be a public
voice on gender equality issues for Australia.