Workplace - Legislations

Gender - pay gap

The Workplace Gender Equality Act 2012 (Cth) - focuses on equal remuneration for men and women, expanded functions of WGEA, requires employers to prepare public reports - gender equality indicators.

Workplace Gender Equality Amendment (Closing the Gender Pay Gap) Act 2023 - Requires employers to share WGEA executive summary + industry benchmark reports which WGEA publishes.

Gender - Sex harassment

Sex Discrimination Act 1984 - prohibits unfair treatment of individuals on the basis of gender, sex, sexual orientation, marital status and familial responsibilities.

Anti-Discrimination and Human Rights Legislation Amendment (Respect at Work) Act 2022 (Cth) - introduces positive duty (take reasonable steps to eliminate discriminatory conduct) and enhancement of FWC to monitor and assess compliance + issue ‘stop sexual harassment’ orders.

Gig economy

The Workplace Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) - requires employers to provide sufficient training and instruction to protect all workers from risks to their safety + safe systems of work.

The Workplace Health and Safety Amendment (Food Delivery Riders) Regulation 2022 - requires employers to supply delivery riders with high visibility protective equipment, induction training and verification + record keeping of training.

Age discrimination

The Age Discrimination Act 2004 (Cth) - prohibits the disadvantageous treatment of individuals on the basis of their age.

Anti-Discrimination and Human Rights Legislation Amendment (Respect at Work) Act 2022 - Introduces positive duty on employers, requiring them to take proactive measures to eliminate discrimination. Enables AHRC to investigate systemic discrimination without a specific complaint being filed.

Parental leave

The Paid Parental Leave Act 2010 (Cth) - created federal paid parental leave (PPL) scheme. ALlows parents up to 18 weeks of paid leave limited at federal minimum wage.

Young people

The Workplace Health and Safety Act 2011 - requires employers to provide sufficient training and instruction to protect all workers from risks to their safety + safe systems of work.

The Media

Can be a very effective non-legal mechanism in ensuring justice in the workplace. Has highlighted many issues of workplace safety, discrimination, and sexual harassment - raising awareness and thereby pressuring statutory bodies reform law.