Andrew McLachlan (SA, Deputy-President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Walsh, I understand you are in continuance.

Jess Walsh (Victoria, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I am in continuance, and I look forward to continuing for another couple of minutes on this important legislation. As the first majority female government with the first gender-equal cabinet in Australia's history, we are 100 per cent committed to impactful reforms for Australian women. This bill is the next step in that journey.

The Workplace Gender Equality Amendment (Setting Gender Equality Targets) Bill 2024 is a vital part of the ongoing reforms that our government is delivering for Australian women. The data collected by WGEA has allowed us to track progress and increase transparency on workplace gender equality, including the gender pay gap. But we can't stop there. This bill introduces a world-first targets scheme aimed at accelerating action on gender equality by large Australian employers. It will require organisations with 500 or more employees in Australia to commit to achieving measurable targets for gender equality in their workplaces. Whether it's reducing the gender pay gap or improving gender diversity in leadership positions, employers will be required to set ambitious, transparent goals. We want employers to walk the talk on gender equality, and setting targets will help them do just that.

Debate interrupted.

Sitting suspended from 18:30 to 20:30