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Workplace Gender Equality Amendment (Closing the Gender Pay Gap)

Current status

This bill became law on Apr 11th, 2023.

Policy area

Work & employment

What does this bill do?

The Workplace Gender Equality AgencyThe federal agency that collects workplace gender equality data and, under this bill, publishes employer pay-gap results. must publish each covered employer’s overall pay-gap results for every reporting periodThe 12-month reporting window employers use when they send gender equality information to the agency., so the public can compare how workplaces are tracking on equal pay.

Why was it introduced?

Limited pay-gap transparency and unimplemented recommendations from the 2021 review left pressure on employers to close gender pay gaps too weak. The bill lets the Agency publish each employer’s overall gender pay gapThe difference between what men and women are paid on average across a workplace or group of workplaces., requires CEOs to brief boards, renames minimum standardsThe old label for part of the reporting framework, which this bill renames as gender equality standards. as gender equality standardsThe new name for the Act’s existing minimum standards; the bill renames the framework without changing the Minister’s existing obligation to set standards., and aligns the ActThe main law this bill amends, which already required large employers to report gender equality information. with existing harassment and discrimination reporting requirements.

Broader context

Australia already had the Workplace Gender Equality Act 2012The main law this bill amends, which already required large employers to report gender equality information. and a decade of employer reporting, but the 2021 review and WGEAThe federal agency that collects workplace gender equality data and, under this bill, publishes employer pay-gap results. data showed that limited transparency was not putting enough pressure on large employers while the gender pay gapThe difference between what men and women are paid on average across a workplace or group of workplaces. remained wide and slow to close. The 2023 bill responded by allowing employer-level pay-gap publication, requiring chief executives to brief boards, renaming minimum standardsThe old label for part of the reporting framework, which this bill renames as gender equality standards. as gender equality standardsThe new name for the Act’s existing minimum standards; the bill renames the framework without changing the Minister’s existing obligation to set standards., and aligning the ActThe main law this bill amends, which already required large employers to report gender equality information. with existing harassment and discrimination reporting requirements.

Key criticism

The main reservation was not that the bill should be blocked, but that publishing employer pay-gap figures would need careful handling so aggregate data did not create privacy or misleading-comparison problems. Those concerns were limited and mostly cautionary, raised by supportive speakers such as James Stevens, while crossbench and Greens members argued the bill was only a first step needing broader follow-up reform.

Who supported it?

Senator Katy Gallagher introduced this bill. It passed on the voices.

Introduced in Senate 08 Feb 2023
Passed Senate 23 Mar 2023
Passed House 30 Mar 2023
Became law 11 Apr 2023

Did it become law?

Yes

Became law 11 Apr 2023

Final passage

Passed without a counted vote

Members called out ‘aye’ or ‘no’ — no individual votes were recorded.

Passage speed

62 days

From introduction to the latest recorded parliamentary step

Official record

View on APH

Parliament of Australia bill page

Meaning

What does this bill do?

  1. The Workplace Gender Equality AgencyThe federal agency that collects workplace gender equality data and, under this bill, publishes employer pay-gap results. must publish each covered employer’s overall pay-gap results for every reporting periodThe 12-month reporting window employers use when they send gender equality information to the agency., so the public can compare how workplaces are tracking on equal pay.

  2. Published pay-gap results must stay at an overall level and cannot reveal anyone’s personal details or the pay of a particular worker.

  3. Chief executives at covered employers must give Workplace Gender Equality AgencyThe federal agency that collects workplace gender equality data and, under this bill, publishes employer pay-gap results. summary and comparison reports to their board or governing bodyThe board or similar top decision-making group that receives the agency reports and is meant to oversee action on pay equality., and failing to do that without a good reason counts as breaking the law.

  4. The bill renames existing minimum standardsThe old label for part of the reporting framework, which this bill renames as gender equality standards. as gender equality standardsThe new name for the Act’s existing minimum standards; the bill renames the framework without changing the Minister’s existing obligation to set standards., without changing the Minister’s existing obligation to set those standards.

  5. The bill puts sexual harassment, sex-based harassment and discrimination into the ActThe main law this bill amends, which already required large employers to report gender equality information.’s gender equality indicatorsThe set of workplace measures employers report on. The bill aligns the Act with existing reporting on issues such as sexual harassment, sex-based harassment and discrimination., aligning the ActThe main law this bill amends, which already required large employers to report gender equality information. with information employers were already required to report under the 2013 instrument.

Show source excerpts
  1. (1) The Agency must publish aggregate information, for each relevant employer for each reporting period, for the purpose of showing the employer’s performance and progress in achieving gender equality in relation to remuneration for the employer’s workforce.
    Workplace Gender Equality Amendment (Closing the Gender Pay Gap) Act 2023 final Act text
  2. prohibits the Agency from publishing information that discloses, either directly or indirectly, personal information or information about the remuneration paid to a specific individual.
    Workplace Gender Equality Amendment (Closing the Gender Pay Gap) explanatory memorandum
  3. It amends the Act to require Chief Executive Officers of relevant employers to cause certain reports – the Executive Summary and Industry Benchmark Report – to be given to all members of their governing body. The Industry Benchmark Report must be provided as soon as practicable after being received from WGEA. The Executive Summary Report must be given together with the Industry Benchmark Report, if not already given. The Bill further provides that failure to do so, without reasonable excuse, will be taken as non-compliance with the Act.
    Workplace Gender Equality Amendment (Closing the Gender Pay Gap) explanatory memorandum
  4. The amended language from “will” to “must” does not change the Minister’s present obligations under the Act. Item 10 ... replaces it with a provision that is substantively the same.
    Workplace Gender Equality Amendment (Closing the Gender Pay Gap) explanatory memorandum
  5. Relevant employers are already required to provide information on sex-based harassment and discrimination in the workplace as part of their obligations under the 2013 Instrument, so these amendments do not change reporting obligations for relevant employers.
    Workplace Gender Equality Amendment (Closing the Gender Pay Gap) explanatory memorandum

Context

Broader context for this bill

Australia already had the Workplace Gender Equality Act 2012The main law this bill amends, which already required large employers to report gender equality information. and a decade of employer reporting, but the 2021 review and WGEAThe federal agency that collects workplace gender equality data and, under this bill, publishes employer pay-gap results. data showed that limited transparency was not putting enough pressure on large employers while the gender pay gapThe difference between what men and women are paid on average across a workplace or group of workplaces. remained wide and slow to close. The 2023 bill responded by allowing employer-level pay-gap publication, requiring chief executives to brief boards, renaming minimum standardsThe old label for part of the reporting framework, which this bill renames as gender equality standards. as gender equality standardsThe new name for the Act’s existing minimum standards; the bill renames the framework without changing the Minister’s existing obligation to set standards., and aligning the ActThe main law this bill amends, which already required large employers to report gender equality information. with existing harassment and discrimination reporting requirements.

  1. 2012

    Workplace Gender Equality Act creates national employer reporting

    The 2012 Act set up the existing framework for large employers to report gender equality data to the Workplace Gender Equality AgencyThe federal agency that collects workplace gender equality data and, under this bill, publishes employer pay-gap results..

    Hansard ↗
  2. 2021

    Review of the Workplace Gender Equality Act recommends stronger reforms

    Speakers said the bill would implement recommendations from a 2021 review, showing the existing reporting system had already been judged in need of stronger action.

    Hansard ↗
  3. February and March 2023

    Fresh pay-gap figures showed inequality was still entrenched

    During debate MPs cited a February ABSThe national statistics agency whose gender pay gap figures are cited in the debate and background material. gender pay gapThe difference between what men and women are paid on average across a workplace or group of workplaces. of 13.3 per cent and a March WGEAThe federal agency that collects workplace gender equality data and, under this bill, publishes employer pay-gap results. progress report showing a wider total remuneration gap, reinforcing the case for employer-level pay-gap transparency.

    Hansard ↗
  4. 08 Feb 2023

    Government introduces the bill to publish employer pay gaps

    The bill was introduced to let WGEAThe federal agency that collects workplace gender equality data and, under this bill, publishes employer pay-gap results. publish each employer's overall gender pay gapThe difference between what men and women are paid on average across a workplace or group of workplaces. and to make chief executives give the agency's reports to their boards.

    Parliamentary timeline ↗
  5. 30 Mar 2023

    Parliament passes the bill

    Both houses passed the bill, clearing the way for employer-level gender pay-gap publication, board reporting and technical alignment of the ActThe main law this bill amends, which already required large employers to report gender equality information. with existing harassment and discrimination reporting.

    Parliamentary timeline ↗
  6. 11 Apr 2023

    Royal AssentThe final step that turns the bill into an Act of Parliament. makes the reforms law

    Royal AssentThe final step that turns the bill into an Act of Parliament. turned the bill into an Act, locking the new transparency and accountability measures into the workplace gender equality regime.

    Parliamentary timeline ↗

Legislative route

How did it move through Parliament?

House Senate
Introduced 08 Feb 2023

The bill was formally presented to the chamber and read a first time, which starts its parliamentary journey.

Introduced and read a first time

Second reading opened 08 Feb 2023

A minister or sponsoring member moved the second reading, opening the main debate on the bill's purpose and principles.

Second reading moved

Finance and Public Administration Legislation Committee; Committee report (16/03/2023) review 09 Feb 2023

Referred to Committee (09/02/2023): Senate Finance and Public Administration Legislation Committee; Committee report (16/03/2023)

Referred to committee

APH bill page notes
Second reading debate 23 Mar 2023

The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.

Senate second reading agreed 23 Mar 2023

The chamber agreed to the bill at second reading, meaning it accepted the bill in principle and allowed it to continue.

Second reading agreed to

Senate third reading agreed 23 Mar 2023

The chamber agreed to the bill at third reading, which completed passage through that chamber.

Third reading agreed to

Introduced 23 Mar 2023

The bill was formally presented to the chamber and read a first time, which starts its parliamentary journey.

Introduced and read a first time

Second reading opened 28 Mar 2023

A minister or sponsoring member moved the second reading, opening the main debate on the bill's purpose and principles.

Second reading moved

Second reading debate 28 Mar 2023

The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.

Second reading debate 29 Mar 2023

The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.

House second reading agreed 30 Mar 2023

The chamber agreed to the bill at second reading, meaning it accepted the bill in principle and allowed it to continue.

Second reading agreed to

House third reading agreed 30 Mar 2023

The chamber agreed to the bill at third reading, which completed passage through that chamber.

Third reading agreed to

Passed both houses 30 Mar 2023

Both houses passed the bill in the same form, completing parliamentary passage.

Finally passed both Houses

Assent 11 Apr 2023

The Governor-General gave Royal AssentThe final step that turns the bill into an Act of Parliament., turning the bill into an Act.

Key criticism

The main case against this bill

The main reservation was not that the bill should be blocked, but that publishing employer pay-gap figures would need careful handling so aggregate data did not create privacy or misleading-comparison problems. Those concerns were limited and mostly cautionary, raised by supportive speakers such as James Stevens, while crossbench and Greens members argued the bill was only a first step needing broader follow-up reform.

No party represented in the debate opposed the bill, but some support came with caution or calls for further reform.

Privacy and data handling risks

The clearest criticism was that public employer-level pay-gap reporting should be monitored carefully so disclosure does not create privacy problems or unfairly expose information through aggregate figures.

Raised by James Stevens and other supportive speakers raising caution about implementation Source ↗

Too limited on its own

Several supporters argued the bill would improve transparency but would not by itself close the gender pay gapThe difference between what men and women are paid on average across a workplace or group of workplaces., warning that broader reforms and later tranches would still be needed to change workplace structures and coverage.

Raised by Zoe Daniel, Kylea Tink, Elizabeth Watson-Brown and other supportive crossbench or Greens speakers Source ↗

Further sources

parlinfo.aph.gov.au ↗ parlinfo.aph.gov.au ↗

Votes

Recorded votes

How the bill itself passed

The bill passed both chambers on the voices, so there is no list of individual Aye and No votes for final passage.

Passed

Senate passed the bill

Senate agreed to the bill's third reading on the voices, so there is no list of individual Aye and No votes for final passage in that chamber.

23 Mar 2023

Passed on the voices

In a voice vote, members call out Aye or No and the presiding officer judges which side has it. Individual names are only recorded if a formal division is called.

Passed

House passed the bill

House agreed to the bill's third reading on the voices, so there is no list of individual Aye and No votes for final passage in that chamber.

30 Mar 2023

Passed on the voices

In a voice vote, members call out Aye or No and the presiding officer judges which side has it. Individual names are only recorded if a formal division is called.

Parliamentary debate

Who spoke, and what they said

Start here — lead voices

Sponsor speech Supports

Katy Gallagher

Australian Labor Party • Senator 08 Feb 2023

Gallagher supports the bill, saying it is a key step toward closing the gender pay gapThe difference between what men and women are paid on average across a workplace or group of workplaces. by increasing employer-level transparency and accountability.

Read in Hansard ↗
Lead supporting voice Supports

Kylea Tink

Independent • MP 28 Mar 2023

Kylea Tink supports the bill and says it is long overdue progress on closing the gender pay gapThe difference between what men and women are paid on average across a workplace or group of workplaces., but she argues it is only a first step and will need much broader reform to drive real workplace change.

Read in Hansard ↗
Lead non-major voice Supports

Zali Steggall

Independent • MP 29 Mar 2023

Steggall supports the bill, saying it improves transparency and reporting on the gender pay gapThe difference between what men and women are paid on average across a workplace or group of workplaces., but she argues it only partly implements the reviewThe review that said the existing reporting system was not strong enough and recommended the reforms in this bill. recommendations and leaves important reforms unfinished.

Read in Hansard ↗
Lead voice Supports

Alicia Payne

Australian Labor Party • MP 29 Mar 2023

Alicia Payne strongly supports the bill, saying it is an evidence-based Labor reform that will improve transparency, accountability and action on workplace gender equality.

Read in Hansard ↗

All speeches by bloc

Labor

21 speakers · 24 contributions · 21 support

  1. Alicia Payne ★ Alicia Payne strongly supports the bill, saying it is an evidence-based Labor reform that will improve transparency, accountability and action on workplace gender equality.
    “This bill is getting on with the job of closing the gender pay gap for women in Australia.”

    Australian Labor Party • MP • 29 Mar 2023

    Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
  2. Katy Gallagher ★ 2 contributions Gallagher supports the bill, saying it is a key step toward closing the gender pay gapThe difference between what men and women are paid on average across a workplace or group of workplaces. by increasing employer-level transparency and accountability.

    Hansard records 2 separate contributions by Katy Gallagher on this bill. They are grouped here so the speaker is listed once.

    Second reading speech Australian Labor Party • Senator • 08 Feb 2023

    Gallagher supports the bill, saying it is a key step toward closing the gender pay gapThe difference between what men and women are paid on average across a workplace or group of workplaces. by increasing employer-level transparency and accountability. She presents it as part of a broader reform agenda, while noting further changes will come later after consultation.

    “The Workplace Gender Equality Amendment (Closing the Gender Pay Gap) Bill 2023, together with the remade Instruments under the Act, fulfils almost all of the recommendations of the Review requiring legislative amendment.”
    Read this contribution in Hansard ↗

    Second reading speech Australian Labor Party • Senator • 23 Mar 2023

    Gallagher supports the bill and says it is a critical first step to close the gender pay gapThe difference between what men and women are paid on average across a workplace or group of workplaces. by giving WGEAThe federal agency that collects workplace gender equality data and, under this bill, publishes employer pay-gap results. power to publish employer-level pay gaps and drive more transparency and accountability. She presents it as long overdue and says there are further reforms to come, but clearly urges the Senate to pass it.

    “This bill is a critical step towards achieving women's economic equality, because it is getting on with the job of closing the gender pay gap for women in Australia so that they do not have to wait another quarter of a century to achieve equality with male colleagues. I commend the bill to the Senate.”
    Read this contribution in Hansard ↗
  3. Zaneta Mascarenhas Mascarenhas supports the bill and says it will force employers to report gender pay data, increase transparency, and help close the gap in pay and opportunity for women.
    “What this bill does is compel organisations to report data on pay based on gender. This bill creates a mechanism that shines a light on these issues, because we can't just rely upon trust; we need to fix the system.”

    Australian Labor Party • MP • 29 Mar 2023

    Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
  4. Graham Perrett Graham Perrett supports the bill and recommends it to the chamber, saying it will increase transparency, accountability and action to close the gender pay gapThe difference between what men and women are paid on average across a workplace or group of workplaces..
    “To sum up, these changes, with a few more still to come, will lead to a reduction in the gender pay gaps we now see. This isn't just good news for women; it's good news for the economy and the nation, and I recommend the legislation to the chamber.”

    Australian Labor Party • MP • 28 Mar 2023

    Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
  5. Catherine King 2 contributions Ms King supports the bill and says it is a key step toward closing the gender pay gapThe difference between what men and women are paid on average across a workplace or group of workplaces. by improving employer-level pay transparency, accountability and action.

    Hansard records 2 separate contributions by Catherine King on this bill. They are grouped here so the speaker is listed once.

    Second reading speech Australian Labor Party • MP • 28 Mar 2023

    Ms King supports the bill and says it is a key step toward closing the gender pay gapThe difference between what men and women are paid on average across a workplace or group of workplaces. by improving employer-level pay transparency, accountability and action. She says it updates the law to strengthen reporting and equality standards while keeping the rollout careful and consultation-based.

    “This bill represents a critical piece in the government's ongoing commitment and action towards gender equality.”
    Read this contribution in Hansard ↗

    Second reading speech Australian Labor Party • MP • 30 Mar 2023

    Ms Catherine King supports the bill because she says it will drive employer action, transparency and accountability to help close the gender pay gapThe difference between what men and women are paid on average across a workplace or group of workplaces. sooner. She frames it as a critical first step and says women should not have to wait another 26 years for equal pay to be valued.

    “This bill will be a key driver for employer action and transparency and accountability, and it will help to speed up progress towards gender equality in the workplace. It will do this by, for the first time, allowing the Workplace Gender Equality Agency to publish gender pay gaps at employer level, not just at industry level.”
    Read this contribution in Hansard ↗
  6. Tanya Plibersek Plibersek strongly supports the bill, saying it will help close the gender pay gapThe difference between what men and women are paid on average across a workplace or group of workplaces. by requiring employer-level reporting and greater transparency.
    “The key change in this bill is we'll now publish gender pay gaps at an employer level for companies with more than a hundred employees. That is a fantastic change. The information will be published on the WGEA website in a searchable tool that is available to the public.”

    Australian Labor Party • MP • 29 Mar 2023

    Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
  7. Sharon Claydon Sharon Claydon supports the bill and says it is a key step toward closing the gender pay gapThe difference between what men and women are paid on average across a workplace or group of workplaces. by forcing larger employers to report their pay gaps and improving transparency and accountability.
    “The Workplace Gender Equality Amendment (Closing the Gender Pay Gap) Bill 2023—the bill before the House right now—is part of the solution. It responds to a 2021 review of the Workplace Gender Equality Act 2012. That review made recommendations to help Australia accelerate progress towards workplace gender equality, as well as making reporting easier for employers. It also fulfils a key election commitment by our Labor government: to close the gender pay gap at work, to boost work pay transparency and to encourage action within organisations to close gender pay gaps. This bill will be a key driver for employer action, for transparency and for accountability.”

    Australian Labor Party • MP • 28 Mar 2023

    Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
  8. Peta Murphy Peta Murphy supports the bill and says it is needed to push employers to examine pay, promotion and bonuses, because the gender pay gapThe difference between what men and women are paid on average across a workplace or group of workplaces. persists through both conscious and unconscious bias.
    “This legislation is just one of the measures that are intended to encourage businesses to be conscious of the way they are paying their staff, the way they are deciding who gets a promotion and who doesn't, and the way bonuses and overtime are paid.”

    Australian Labor Party • MP • 29 Mar 2023

    Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
  9. Louise Miller-Frost Louise Miller-Frost supports the bill and says it is the government's response to the 2021 review, designed to accelerate action on closing the gender pay gapThe difference between what men and women are paid on average across a workplace or group of workplaces. through employer-level reporting and stronger accountability.
    “The bill amends the Workplace Gender Equality Act 2012 to implement our election commitment to close the gender pay gap, and it responds to a number of key recommendations of the 2021 review of the act. The review made 10 recommendations designed to help Australia accelerate progress towards gender equality. This bill is the government's response. It's designed to accelerate action and to close the gender pay gap, and it does so in a number of key ways.”

    Australian Labor Party • MP • 28 Mar 2023

    Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
  10. Libby Coker Libby Coker supports the bill and says it is needed to speed up action on workplace gender equality by improving reporting, accountability and employer transparency on pay gaps.
    “Without the changes in this bill, it is estimated that, at the current rate of progress, it could take as long as 26 years to close the gender pay gap for women in Australia. We must accelerate the pace of change. Women have waited long enough. I commend this bill to the House.”

    Australian Labor Party • MP • 28 Mar 2023

    Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
  11. Tracey Roberts Roberts supports the bill and says it will help close the gender pay gapThe difference between what men and women are paid on average across a workplace or group of workplaces. by requiring more transparency from employers and stronger accountability for gender equality.
    “We are committed to this bill, and also committed to making sure that the changes are achieved through close consultation with businesses and stakeholders. Consultation, without doubt, is critical. This bill has been designed in close consultation with industry, business, the education sector, the not-for-profit sector, employee organisations, the women's sector, state and territory governments, and the Workplace Gender Equality Agency. We have also committed to reviewing these legislative amendments, and this is planned for five years after the amendments are passed. This will be an opportunity to probe robustly the effectiveness of these issues in achieving their objective to progress gender equality.”

    Australian Labor Party • MP • 29 Mar 2023

    Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
  12. Carina Garland 2 contributions Garland strongly supports the bill, saying it will give Workplace Gender Equality AgencyThe federal agency that collects workplace gender equality data and, under this bill, publishes employer pay-gap results. data at employer level to track the gender pay gapThe difference between what men and women are paid on average across a workplace or group of workplaces. and help drive further action.

    Hansard records 2 separate contributions by Carina Garland on this bill. They are grouped here so the speaker is listed once.

    Second reading speech Australian Labor Party • MP • 29 Mar 2023

    Garland strongly supports the bill, saying it will give Workplace Gender Equality AgencyThe federal agency that collects workplace gender equality data and, under this bill, publishes employer pay-gap results. data at employer level to track the gender pay gapThe difference between what men and women are paid on average across a workplace or group of workplaces. and help drive further action. She presents it as a practical step in the Albanese Labor government's broader effort to improve gender equality and close the gap faster.

    “This work is not easy—changing culture is not easy—but I'm proud to be part of an Albanese Labor government that is determined to do the work that this country needs to be done and to have a prime minister who is so supportive of the work that needs to be done. I am really proud to support this bill, which will mean that there are some practical things that will happen to both track the gender pay gap in this country and give us the information we need to take further action in the future so that the next generation of women to end up in this place don't have to make the same kinds of speeches that we've been hearing for years about this persistent gender pay gap.”
    Read this contribution in Hansard ↗

    Second reading speech Australian Labor Party • MP • 29 Mar 2023

    Garland supports the bill and says it will improve reporting, transparency and accountability so employers are pushed to act on gender equality and the gender pay gapThe difference between what men and women are paid on average across a workplace or group of workplaces.. She also frames it as part of a broader Labor agenda, including cheaper child care and more flexible paid parental leave, to help women participate in work.

    “The reforms in his bill will be a key driver for employer action, transparency and accountability, helping to speed up progress towards gender equality in the workplace, and it will also streamline reporting for employers. For the first time, the Workplace Gender Equality Agency, WGEA, will report gender pay gaps at the employer level, not just at the industry level. That will help encourage companies to prioritise gender equality and work to close their gender pay gap, accelerating progress towards gender equality, which I believe everyone in this House does wants to see.”
    Read this contribution in Hansard ↗
  13. Helen Polley Polley strongly supports the bill and says Labor is acting to close the gender pay gapThe difference between what men and women are paid on average across a workplace or group of workplaces. by requiring larger employers' pay gaps to be published.
    “Reporting will commence in 2024, drawing on data already provided by employers. Companies' gender pay gaps will be published on the Workplace Gender Equality Agency website. There will be nowhere to hide. Enough is enough where pay parity is concerned. This reform was recommended by the 2021 Review of the Workplace Gender Equality Act 2012, and I proudly stand on this side of the chamber because the Australian Labor Party and the Albanese government will always fight for fairness, fair pay for women and girls, and equality in the workplace. That will ensure that we have the best possible outcomes for all Australians.”

    Australian Labor Party • Senator • 23 Mar 2023

    Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
  14. Cassandra Fernando Fernando supports the bill and says it will make company gender pay gaps public, increase accountability, and help workers and employers act on a clear problem.
    “I strongly commend this bill to the House, and I hope to see everyone in this place voting in favour of such commonsense reforms.”

    Australian Labor Party • MP • 29 Mar 2023

    Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
  15. Anthony Albanese Albanese strongly supports the bill, saying it will improve transparency and accountability by letting Australians see the gender pay gapThe difference between what men and women are paid on average across a workplace or group of workplaces. by employer and helping drive progress toward equal pay.
    “This legislation is about delivering that meaningful change and measurable progress. Today is of course not the end of the road. There is much further for us to travel and much more for us to do. But this bill is a chance for us to aim higher and to hold ourselves to that higher standard. It speaks to our government's commitment to building a better and more equal future for Australian women, and it's an economic reform that will benefit the entire nation. I'm proud to commend this closing the gender pay gap bill to the House.”

    Australian Labor Party • MP • 29 Mar 2023

    Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
  16. Jana Stewart Jana Stewart supports the bill, saying it is a significant step toward gender equality because public reporting of employer gender pay gaps will increase transparency and drive action.
    “This bill will see employers with 100 or more workers have data on their gender pay gaps published publicly on the Workplace Gender Equality Agency website. Red tape for businesses will be reduced so that this will be easier for companies to do. This is a key reform to drive transparency and action towards closing the gender pay gap.”

    Australian Labor Party • Senator • 23 Mar 2023

    Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
  17. Tony Sheldon Sheldon supports the bill, saying it will help close the gender pay gapThe difference between what men and women are paid on average across a workplace or group of workplaces. by letting the Workplace Gender Equality AgencyThe federal agency that collects workplace gender equality data and, under this bill, publishes employer pay-gap results. publish employer-level pay gaps and by advancing the Albanese government's wider equality agenda.
    “I rise to support the Workplace Gender Equality Amendment (Closing the Gender Pay Gap) Bill 2023. This bill is yet another example of the way the Albanese government is delivering on its commitment to grow wages, improve gender equality and close the gender pay gap. It delivers on recommendations of the 2021 Review of the Workplace Gender Equality Act 2012. Most importantly, the bill allows the Workplace Gender Equality Agency to establish gender pay gaps at the employer level, rather than just the industry level, and to publish those.”

    Australian Labor Party • Senator • 23 Mar 2023

    Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
  18. Marielle Smith Smith supports the bill and says it will make reporting tougher and more transparent, which she argues is needed because earlier efforts have not closed the gender pay gapThe difference between what men and women are paid on average across a workplace or group of workplaces. fast enough.
    “The bill before us presents a much tougher requirement in terms of reporting and in terms of the information businesses will be required to provide to WGEA. The impact of this will be uncomfortable for some businesses. We know it will be uncomfortable for some businesses, but it's these uncomfortable truths which will make a difference to closing the pay gap.”

    Australian Labor Party • Senator • 23 Mar 2023

    Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
  19. Fatima Payman Payman supports the bill because she says it will give employers greater accountability, improve pay-gap transparency, and help close the gender pay gapThe difference between what men and women are paid on average across a workplace or group of workplaces..
    “I rise to support the Workplace Gender Equality Amendment (Closing the Gender Pay Gap) Bill 2023, which is part of how the Albanese Labor government is working to close the gender pay gap. It charges employers with greater responsibility and accountability towards gender equality in their workforces and helps to drive the actions required to bring about higher levels of gender equality in our country.”

    Australian Labor Party • Senator • 23 Mar 2023

    Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
  20. Jess Walsh Jess Walsh supports the bill because she says it will improve accountability and transparency by requiring large employers to report their gender pay gapThe difference between what men and women are paid on average across a workplace or group of workplaces. and publish the data.
    “This bill is about two things: accountability and transparency. Because we know that you can't fix what you can't see. To truly close the gender pay gap, you need data from employers and you need to hold employers accountable.”

    Australian Labor Party • Senator • 23 Mar 2023

    Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
  21. Michelle Ananda-Rajah Michelle Ananda-Rajah supports the bill and says Labor wants to speed up closing the gender pay gapThe difference between what men and women are paid on average across a workplace or group of workplaces. rather than wait decades.
    “The problem is that, with so many of the women on our side in government, we're pretty impatient, and we're not going to wait 26 years. We want to speed this whole process along, and this is why we are internally promoting structural reforms on multiple fronts: paid parental leave; child care; IR reform, to make workplaces safer and more fair for women; and promoting flexible workplaces.”

    Australian Labor Party • MP • 29 Mar 2023

    Read the full speech in Hansard ↗

Coalition

6 speakers · 7 contributions · 6 support

  1. Russell Broadbent Broadbent supports the bill, saying it will help close the gender pay gapThe difference between what men and women are paid on average across a workplace or group of workplaces. even if it will not fix the problem by itself.
    “She puts to the parliament that supporting the Workplace Gender Equality Amendment (Closing the Gender Pay Gap) Bill 2023 will go towards that. Nobody has said it will fix it, but it will go towards it.”

    Liberal Party • MP • 29 Mar 2023

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  2. Melissa McIntosh McIntosh supports the bill and says the opposition will back it because it should help close the gender pay gapThe difference between what men and women are paid on average across a workplace or group of workplaces. by improving reporting, standards and workplace accountability.
    “From the outset, I note my support for the count workplace Gender Equality Amendment (Closing the Gender Pay Gap) Bill 2023, and that of the opposition. Put simply, the pay for men and women should be equal for those doing the same job with the same qualifications and experience.”

    Liberal Party • MP • 29 Mar 2023

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  3. Michael McCormack 2 contributions Michael McCormack says the coalition supports the bill because it advances fairness and helps close the gender pay gapThe difference between what men and women are paid on average across a workplace or group of workplaces..

    Hansard records 2 separate contributions by Michael McCormack on this bill. They are grouped here so the speaker is listed once.

    Second reading speech National Party • MP • 28 Mar 2023

    McCormack supports the bill and says it is an important, bipartisan measure that implements review recommendations without adding extra regulatory burden for business. He backs it because it improves gender equality reporting while avoiding new compliance costs at a time of cost-of-living pressure.

    “This Workplace Gender Equality Amendment (Closing the Gender Pay Gap) Bill 2023 is important. It has consensus across the parliament. It implements a number of recommendations from the review of the Workplace Equality Act, undertaken while we, the coalition, were in government. There is no further regulatory burden for business under these proposed amendments, and that's important. It's vital that we know that, because we want business to be its best self, particularly at the moment, with cost-of-living pressures which, you could argue, impact women more unfairly than many men. No technical changes are required by employers in terms of reporting processes or the type of data provided to the Workplace Gender Equality Agency. (Time expired)”
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    Second reading speech National Party • MP • 29 Mar 2023

    Michael McCormack says the coalition supports the bill because it advances fairness and helps close the gender pay gapThe difference between what men and women are paid on average across a workplace or group of workplaces.. He also argues the reforms should not add new reporting burdens on business and credits the coalition with having already funded and backed the changes.

    “Let's hope this bill is part of the way that we can continue to further progress women's participation in the economy and close the gender pay gap.”
    Read this contribution in Hansard ↗
  4. James Stevens James Stevens supports the bill and says it will add transparency and scrutiny to help close the gender pay gapThe difference between what men and women are paid on average across a workplace or group of workplaces..
    “I too rise to speak in support of the Workplace Gender Equality Amendment (Closing the Gender Pay Gap) Bill 2023 and absolutely welcome the opportunity to take important steps forward when it comes to closing the gender pay gap.”

    Liberal Party • MP • 28 Mar 2023

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  5. Michaelia Cash Cash says the opposition will support the bill because it carries forward reforms started by the former coalition government and will help publish pay gap data and strengthen workplace gender equality measures without adding new reporting burden.
    “Again, as I stated at the outset, the coalition will support this bill because it implements the important reforms that we had commenced whilst we were in government. We are proud to stand on our record of dramatically reducing the gender pay gap in Australia and of raising workplace standards for women in Australia. I commend the bill to the Senate.”

    Liberal Party • Senator • 23 Mar 2023

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  6. Sussan Ley Ley says the opposition will support the bill because it builds on reforms begun under the coalition and will help close the gender pay gapThe difference between what men and women are paid on average across a workplace or group of workplaces. by making employers more accountable, while avoiding extra reporting burden on business.
    “The opposition will be supporting this bill for a number of reasons, and we are pleased that the government has chosen to implement the reforms which began under the coalition. Whilst we've come a long way, it is clear that we must do more to promote gender equality in our society, be it in the workplaces around Australia, in our communities or even within this building. A key pillar in promoting gender equality is to ensure that we continue to drive down the gender pay gap. In 2021, the coalition government commissioned a review of the Workplace Gender Equality Act and provided $18.5 million to the Workplace Gender Equality Agency in the Women's Budget Statement 2022-23 to support the implementation of the recommendations from the review.”

    Liberal Party • MP • 28 Mar 2023

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Greens

3 speakers · 3 support

  1. Larissa Waters Larissa Waters says the Greens support the bill as a positive step toward closing the gender pay gapThe difference between what men and women are paid on average across a workplace or group of workplaces., because it improves transparency and reporting.
    “Closing the gender pay gap is everybody's business. We welcome this bill as a positive step and urge the government to use its promised second tranche of reforms to implement the outstanding recommendations from the WGEA review and drive the change that all employees deserve.”

    Australian Greens • Senator • 23 Mar 2023

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  2. Barbara Pocock Barbara Pocock supports the bill and says the Greens back its measures, especially better transparency on the gender pay gapThe difference between what men and women are paid on average across a workplace or group of workplaces..
    “So I support all the measures in this bill, which my colleague Senator Waters spoke about, and the need to go further on better data collection. We need to look, for example, at the gap between part-time workers' earnings, both men and women. That's where the gap is very wide. And we need to look more carefully at total earnings—at bonuses, at superannuation, at cars and at all the things men get more of and women get less of. But we need to do a whole lot of other things, too, and I think of my friend Michelle as I talk about them.”

    Australian Greens • Senator • 23 Mar 2023

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  3. Elizabeth Watson-Brown Watson-Brown says the Greens support the bill as a positive step toward transparency on gender pay gaps, but argues it is only part of what is needed and urges the government to implement the remaining review recommendations in a second tranche of reforms.
    “All this would give all women the economic and social security and independence needed to live flourishing lives, to not have to choose between family and career, to be valued for the work they do, to escape situations of domestic violence. We welcome this bill as a positive step and urge the government to use its promised second tranche of reforms to implement the outstanding recommendations from the WGEA review and drive the change that all employees deserve.”

    Australian Greens • MP • 29 Mar 2023

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Minor parties and independents

3 speakers · 3 support

  1. Kylea Tink ★ Kylea Tink supports the bill and says it is long overdue progress on closing the gender pay gapThe difference between what men and women are paid on average across a workplace or group of workplaces., but she argues it is only a first step and will need much broader reform to drive real workplace change.
    “In conclusion, while this bill does represent long overdue progress in closing the gender pay gap, it is only a small part in achieving larger, broader reform of our human rights legislative framework in Australia. As this bill is considered we must look at it through our current human rights framework, which, while far from perfect, requires us to consider our obligations to protect individual social and economic rights, which includes the right to work. I look forward to a time when the gender pay gap is closed and Australian workplaces are full of thriving, safe, progressive and fair environments for all. But this will not happen without significant and concerted effort. I commend this legislation to the House but note that it is the beginning, nowhere near the middle or the end.”

    Independent • MP • 28 Mar 2023

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  2. Zali Steggall ★ Steggall supports the bill, saying it improves transparency and reporting on the gender pay gapThe difference between what men and women are paid on average across a workplace or group of workplaces., but she argues it only partly implements the reviewThe review that said the existing reporting system was not strong enough and recommended the reforms in this bill. recommendations and leaves important reforms unfinished.
    “TEGGALL () (): I rise to support the Workplace Gender Equality Amendment (Closing the Gender Pay Gap) Bill 2023. The bill seeks to improve workplace gender equality by committing to closing the gender pay gap and implementing recommendations 2, 3, 5 and 9 of the 2021 review of the Workplace Gender Equality Act 2012.”

    Independent • MP • 29 Mar 2023

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  3. Zoe Daniel Daniel supports the bill and says it will improve pay transparency, create stronger employer accountability, and help close the gender pay gapThe difference between what men and women are paid on average across a workplace or group of workplaces. faster.
    “I support this bill.”

    Independent • MP • 28 Mar 2023

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