Reforms possible as world eyes gender equality measures Ice- breaker on pay gap
AUSTRALIA’S new Minister for Women has indicated she’s open to more reforms to reduce Australia’s gender pay gap after Iceland became the first country in the world to penalise companies that pay men more than women.
Meanwhile, Telstra and global IT business ThoughtWorks – employers who have been praised for their gender equality practices in Australia – have called on more companies to lift their game so further government intervention won’t be necessary. Iceland’s move to shrink its 5.7 per cent pay gap came into effect on January 1, sparking a wave of discussion on equal pay around the world.
Under the groundbreaking policy, companies with more than 25 staff will be required to report their equal pay policies to government to obtain a certification. Any companies that fail to show equal pay will face fines.
Kelly O’Dwyer, who took over from Michaelia Cash as Minister for Women in the December cabinet reshuffle, said the Australian Government had already taken steps to address the nation’s gender pay gap. But she said the Government would continue to look at whether further reforms were required.
It’s understood government officials will look closely at Iceland’s legislation as part of ongoing work to reduce Australia’s 15.3 per cent pay gap.
“Women play a critical role in the workforce,” Ms O’Dwyer said.
“Forming half the population, I think it is fair to expect that women are paid the same SYDNEY has sweltered through its hottest day in almost 80 years with the mercury in Penrith hitting 47.3C.
Much of Sydney reached its peak temperature about 3pm yesterday, with the city’s west bearing the brunt of the heat.
Richmond reached 46.3C just after 2.30pm while the temperature as their male counterparts if they are doing the same work.”
Mandatory reporting for employers with 100 staff or more on the gender composition of their workforce, equal pay between women and men, and conditions such as flexible working arrangements has already been introduced by the Federal Government.
Employers with 500 or more staff must also have a formal policy or strategy in place to encourage gender equality.
Telstra’s group executive of HR Alex Badenoch said Iceland’s legislation was “worth in Bankstown broke 45C. The Bureau of Meteorology initially declared Penrith’s scorching temperature as the hottest in Sydney’s history but later clarified that Richmond still held the record high.
The Old Richmond Station the record with 47.8C in 1939.
As temperatures soared across the set watching” but companies should be more proactive.
“As an Australian company, Telstra, and all other Australian companies should first focus on what we can do ourselves,” she said.
The telecommunications giant has mandated a 50- 50 quota for interview shortlists when hiring, and also has a flexible work policy.
ThoughtWorks managing director in the Asia Pacific Angela Ferguson said she would welcome Australian employers having greater accountability to address the pay gap. state, thousands of people were left without power, according to electricity provider Ausgrid.
Power outages across the NSW Central Coast affected more than 4000 properties, while almost 3000 properties were left without power throughout Sydney.
An Ausgrid spokeswoman said while additional load on the network from the extremely high temperatures had contributed to some of the outages, there were several other factors at play.
Sydney was expected to get some relief today, with a high of 33C forecast and a possible chance of rain, according to the BOM.