Equality for women

Over the last three years, Federal Labor has done the hard work to introduce the practical supports to improve women’s lives – including increasing families’ choices through initiatives such as additional child care benefits and paid parental leave which will commence from 1 January 2011. Federal Labor has also boosted women’s economic security through the introduction of the Fair Work Act and superannuation reforms.

The Gillard Labor Government understands that Australian women are often stretched between work and family responsibilities. Women make up 45 per cent of the workforce and provide most of the informal care to children and other family members.

Most Australian women want the choice to pursue careers and be active members of their families, at a range of different points in their lives. Many men today also want to play a greater role in raising children than in earlier generations.

The Gillard Labor Government believes that families should be supported in making their own choices about combining work and family. Effective governments are aware of the different effects of policies on women and men as well as other population groups.

A Gillard Labor Government will work to deliver greater equality between women and men through practical support and policy reform in consultation with women, families and the broader community.

Equality for Women Policy Statement - Fact Sheet