EQUAL OPPORTUNITY FOR WOMEN IN THE WORKPLACE

AGENCY (EOWA)

Overview of Reforms Lunch and Learn

Presented by: Melanie Basista

WHAT IS IT? The Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace (EOWW) Act 1999 aims to :

o Promote merit in employmento Promote equal employment

opportunity and eliminate discriminationo Encourage consultation between

employers and employees on these issues The Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace

Agency (EOWA) is a statutory authority aimed to administer the Act and through education, assist organisations achieve equal opportunity for women.

HOW DOES THE EOWA ADMINISTER THE ACT?

The EOWA receives reports from approximately 3000 businesses covered by the Act each year.

Consultants then work with the organisations to ensure compliance to the Act and to assist in the development of

workplace programs.

HOW DOES THE EOWA ASSIST?

Provides guidelines to compliance and reporting Provides tools to assist in developing effective workplace programs Provides feedback on workplace programs Conducts workshops Initiates discussions with business to progress equal opportunity in the workplace Produces publications such as an online newsletter Participates in events and conferences

WHAT IS A WORKPLACE PROGRAM?

A workplace program is a strategic approach to eliminating discrimination and contributing to equal opportunity for women in the workplace.

Organisations covered by the Act need to develop a workplace program and report annually on that program retrospectively.

WHAT ORGANISATIONS ARE REQUIRED TO REPORT?

All non government and not for profit organisations with over 100 staff must report annually.

THE 7 MATTERS ORGANISATIONS NEED TO CONSIDER WHEN REPORTING...

1. Recruitment and Selection2. Promotion, Transfer and Termination of employment3. Training and Development4. Work Organisation5. Conditions of Service6. Arrangements for dealing with sex based Harassment7. Arrangements for dealing with pregnant and potentially

pregnant employees and employees who are breastfeeding

ANALYSIS NEEDS TO INCLUDE...

Consultation

Statistics, Policies and Procedures

EOWA REFORM

March 2011 – reform package was announced

WHAT WILL CHANGE?

1.A new name and focus2.Improved coverage3.Streamlined reporting4.Strengthened compliance5.Industry Assistance

REFORM IN MORE DETAIL….A new name and focus:• Workplace Gender Equality Act and Workplace Gender

Equality Agency (WGEA)• Focus strengthened on gender equality – pay equity,

caring and unpaid responsibilitiesImproved Coverage:• Encompass both men and women• Employers must report on gender composition of their

boards• <100 employees still do not need to report, however

they will have access to the agency

REFORM IN MORE DETAIL….

Streamlined Reporting• Focused on outcomes not processes and procedures• Businesses can report online• Remove the requirement for orgs to develop workplace

programs• Employers will report against a set of gender equality

indicators for men and women• CEO’s and employee reps will need to sign off on reports• Reports available to all employees and shareholders

REFORM IN MORE DETAIL….

Strengthened compliance:• The Agency will have the power to conduct reviews of

an org to make sure reports are accurate• Industry level benchmarks and being able to

demonstrate progress will be important in compliance• Non-compliant orgs can be named and shamed publicly• Legislation will reflect that government only deals with

compliant organisations

REFORM IN MORE DETAIL….

Industry assistance:• The Agency will develop industry specific benchmarks

and strategies for achieving equality• It will provide advice, resources and referrals also

through mobile support teams• The Agency will play a role in developing, maintaining

and reporting on the data it collects

WHEN DO THE CHANGES TAKE EFFECT?

New Legislation – developed and introduced in 2011

First reports – 2013

New legislation will contain transitional arrangements to give organisations time to adapt

Further communication and education activities will be undertaken to provide employers with info and support – late

2011

FURTHER INFORMATIO

Nwww.eowa.gov.au

www.fahcsia.gov.au