Workplace Gender Equality Reporting 2014

12th March 2014

It is now Australian law that non-public sector employers with a total of 100 or more employees (including full-time, part-time, permanent, contract and casual employees and including employees of any subsidiary) are required to report to the Workplace Gender Equality Agency each year on action in relation to six standardised gender equality indicators (GEI). Employers covered by the Workplace Equality Act 2012 must also provide quite detailed organisational demographic profiles and remuneration data based on gender.

Employers must prepare and submit reports for the period 31 March 2013 to 1 April 2014 no later than 31 May 2014.

The precise reporting matters for each GEI were set by the Minister for the Status of Women and can be found in the Workplace Gender Equality Matters in relation to Gender Equality Indicators Instrument 2013 No.1)

The six indicators are:

  • GEI 1: gender composition of the workforce
  • GEI 2: gender composition of governing bodies of relevant employers
  • GEI 3: equal remuneration between women and men
  • GEI 4: availability and utility of employment terms, conditions and practices relating to flexible working arrangements for employees and to working arrangements supporting employees with family or caring responsibilities
  • GEI 5: consultation with employees on issues concerning gender equality in the workplace
  • GEI 6: any other matters specified by the Minister in a legislative instrument, currently sex-based harassment and discrimination.
    Employers covered by the Act must also comply with the notification and access requirements, first introduced in the 2012-13 reporting period. These are requirements to notify and publish the report to shareholders, and employees.

Reports must also be signed by the CEO (or equivalent) of the organisation and not delegated to less senior managers.

The Workplace Gender Equality Agency has published the Questionnaire and Guidelines as well as a worksheet on which the organisational profile data can be included for the report. Note that the questionnaire in relation to the six gender equality indicators can be completed online by registering with the Workplace Gender Equality Agency.

If you are required to prepare and submit a report this year and require assistance please contact us to discuss.