New program to level the playing field for women in Australian workplaces

The Albanese Government is making workplaces safer, more respectful and more equitable for women, particularly for those working in traditionally male-dominated industries, with 11 new projects announced under the Advancing Gender Equality in Gender Segregated Industries program.

The workplace and industry-level initiatives will be led by peak organisations representing employers and workers, who will share in $16.4 million as part of the tripartite pilot.

Examples of successful projects include initiatives that will work directly with employers to ensure facilities support women’s workforce participation, create industry-specific toolkits so employers can create flexible working arrangements, and conduct on-the-ground surveys and research to identify what change is needed.

A full list of recipients and projects is available here.

The grant program was announced in the 2024-25 Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook.

Insights and feedback from the pilot will drive further improvements on gender equality in the workplace.

The program supports the government’s national strategy for gender equality, Working for Women, which identifies industry and occupational segregation as a barrier to women’s economic equality and security.

It follows the Albanese Government’s historic reforms to put gender equality at the heart of the workplace relations system and the introduction of legislation for a gender equality targets scheme for large employers with 500 or more employees.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Women, Katy Gallagher:
Leaving women’s talent on the shelf is just not an option when it comes to closing the gender pay gap and making sure we have the skills we need for a Future Made in Australia – but we can’t expect women to turn up and thrive in workplaces that are not welcoming, suitable or safe.

That’s why it’s so important for employers, industry groups, unions and government to work together to make practical changes that will not only support women, but benefit entire industries.

The Albanese Government has done the hard work to get the settings right so that women get a fairer, safer, deal at work, and have more choice and support to work in critical fields. This program builds on that work to help identify and deliver actions that assist specific industries and individual workplaces to support women to work safely and successfully in male dominated sectors.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, Murray Watt:

It is vital workplaces are flexible and inclusive, and that they provide safe and dignified facilities and amenities for women and working parents.

Women deserve to be safe and valued at work, so we’re helping to ensure that industries that traditionally have a gender imbalance are given support to make their workplaces fair and welcoming for all.

The Albanese Government has made gender equality a priority - we know workforce gender segregation contributes to the gender pay gap and increases the risk of workforce shortages.

It’s very pleasing to see that since the Albanese Government took office, the gender pay gap has dropped to record lows, but we know there’s still more work to be done.