Women, work and industrial relations in Australia in 2013

A brief assessment of progress against key gender equality benchmarks sets the context for this review of women, work and industrial relations in 2013. Given the persistent and growing gender pay gap, we focus in particular on recent equal pay legislative and industrial developments. We also draw attention to some underused industrial provisions that might progress pay equity and note the recent unravelling of important 2012 policy initiatives. We then review developments and debate around key gender equality infrastructure that shapes the day-to-day experiences of almost 5 million Australian female employees. This infrastructure includes working time regulation, paid parental leave, protection of pregnant workers, child care services and the Workplace Gender Equality Act 2012. Despite some progress, particularly around equal pay, we conclude that Australia's policy and regulatory framework for gender equality remains patchy