Ai Group’s advocacy for childcare reforms and support for gender-neutral access to government-funded paid parental leave are ways of ‘cracking the code’ to gender equality, this year’s theme of International Women’s Day, celebrated today.
Access to more equitable and flexible childcare and government-funded paid parental leave will boost female workforce participation across all industries, says Nicola Street, Ai Group’s Director – Workplace Relations Policy, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion.
“A Paid Parental Leave Amendment Bill was passed by Parliament on Monday and will enable, for the first time, government-funded paid parental leave to be accessed at first instance by fathers and partners who meet the eligibility criteria, with a minimum two-week period to be taken by both parents on a ‘use it or lose it’ basis to claim the maximum 20-week payment.”
The benefits are significant.
“A more gender-equitable, government-funded scheme supports sustained workforce participation for women and recognises that many fathers and partners also value that time for infant bonding and care,” Ms Street said.
“International research shows that government-funded schemes that incentivise the sharing of parental leave within households help build greater gender diversity in business. In doing so, it should also help break down Australia’s notoriously high levels of gender segregation between industries and occupations that imposes limitations on businesses trying to recruit and find talent and the right skills.”
Ai Group also has a strong policy position on making childcare more accessible and affordable.
“This includes support for measures that would extend the childcare subsidy to the provision of in-home childcare, particularly for employees who work irregular hours, shift work or non-standard work patterns for which traditional childcare centre models don't adequately cater,” Ms Street said.
“This is an important change that is not only necessary to boost workforce participation but is also a valuable equity measure and support for children across all households who may not have the opportunity to attend early childhood care or preschool.
“Currently, it’s all about the rules of the centre, rather than the needs of the household.”
The UN says its Cracking the Code theme involves dismantling ‘cultural, economic and social codes and behaviours that entrench inequality’.
“Gender equality is not a static issue,” Ms Street said.
“While the gender pay gap has dropped to 13.3%, which is a positive thing, there are still structural and cultural challenges that impact how businesses attract, recruit and retain diverse groups, including women.
“Boosting female representation at senior levels is also vital.
“Research shows gender balance on leadership teams or on boards causes organisational improvement in terms of both profitability and organisational effectiveness.”
Businesses can build diverse workforces by not only implementing organisational policies but reviewing the physical work environment and creating ‘cultural’ signals of inclusion and respect.
The Federal Government’s Respect@Work reforms will also require many businesses to consider how they shape and manage workplace culture and behaviour in response to new legal obligations.
Ai Group plays a key role in promoting diversity and inclusion initiatives to our members and providing forums where members can share information and best practice approaches. Our Diversity and Inclusion Exchange is a member-driven network designed to share leading diversity approaches and strategies and views on emerging policy issues.
Ai Group Workplace Lawyers can also assist members respond to the Respect@Work reforms to meet their new legal obligations.
Wendy Larter is Communications Manager at the Australian Industry Group. She has more than 20 years’ experience as a reporter, features writer, contributor and sub-editor for newspapers and magazines including The Courier-Mail in Brisbane and Metro, the News of the World, The Times and Elle in the UK.
