Workplace Gender Equality Amendment (Setting Gender Equality Targets) Bill 2024

Stage by Stage

Summaries in reported speech - not a transcript. In date order, both chambers.

1. Thursday 6 February 2025 · House of Representatives

   Report from Federation Chamber
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2. Thursday 6 February 2025 · House of Representatives

   Third Reading
   See who spoke

3. Monday 10 February 2025 · Senate

   First Reading
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4. Monday 10 February 2025 · Senate

   Second Reading

   The Minister for Indigenous Australians moved the second reading of two bills in the Senate. The first bill proposes separating the Australian Energy Regulator from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission to enhance governance and autonomy. The second bill introduces a mandatory target-setting scheme for large employers to improve workplace gender equality. The Minister argued these reforms address regulatory inefficiencies and persistent gender pay gaps. The debate was adjourned without a final vote, with the bills listed for future consideration.

   Outcome: The debate was adjourned and the bills were ordered to be listed on the Notice Paper as separate orders of the day.

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5. Thursday 13 February 2025 · Senate

   Second Reading

   The debate centred on whether large employers should be legally required to set and report on gender equality targets. The Liberal Party opposed the bill, arguing it imposed excessive regulatory burdens and compliance costs on businesses, potentially harming productivity and national security procurement. The Australian Greens supported the legislation as a necessary step to address the gender pay gap but criticised its limited scope, proposing amendments to extend requirements to smaller employers and ensure targets specifically address pay equity. The debate highlighted divergent views on the balance between regulatory intervention and business flexibility.

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6. Tuesday 25 March 2025 · Senate

   Second Reading

   The Senate debated the Workplace Gender Equality Amendment (Setting Gender Equality Targets) Bill 2024, which aims to require large employers to set measurable gender equality targets. The Greens supported the bill but proposed amendments to lower the employee threshold and strengthen contract conditions, while Labor defended the legislation as a vital step toward workplace equality. The debate was interrupted before a vote could be taken.

   Outcome: The debate was interrupted and the sitting was suspended, preventing a conclusion to the second reading.

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