Call for submissions–Review of the Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Agency (EOWA) Act

The Federal Minister for the Status of Women has announced a Review of the Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace and Agency (EOWA) and its underlying legislation (EOWW Act).

The EOWA Review will examine the effectiveness and efficiency of EOWA and the EOWWA in promoting equal opportunity for women in the workplace. The Act covers workplaces employing 100 or more people, and requires employers to develop and report annually on an equal opprotunity plan for women in their workpaces.

The Government wants to ensure that regulation is working, is well-targeted and cost-efficient.

Did you know that despite recent initiatives, Australia still continues to see:

• an increased pay gap between male and female full-time earners to 17.2% cent; and
• a decreased percentage of women on Boards; and
• parents continuing to struggle to balance their paid work and family responsibilities.

EOWA has a key role to play in promoting gender equality in Australian workplaces, including promoting women in leadership positions.

Make sure that you have your say.

Submissions for the EOWA Review are due on 16 October 2009. Any organisations or individuals experiencing difficulties in meeting this deadline are encouraged to contact the Australian Government Office for Women on (02) 6212 9059.

For further information, see the EOWA site.