The new gender equality act: Aiming for equality

Abstract

The Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Amendment Bill (2012) was passed by the Senate on 22 November 2012. The Bill amends the Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Act (1999) to reflect a new focus of the Act on improving gender equality in the workplace - hence it is titled the Gender Equality Act. As such, it covers both women and men, and specific recognition is made of equality in remuneration and the centrality of family/carer responsibilities in achieving gender equality.