The Andrews Labor Government has called for action on the growing gender pay gap as part of its submission to the Productivity Commission Inquiry into the Workplace Relations Framework.

The inquiry, established by the Abbott Government, is set to look at wages and conditions, bargaining and unfair dismissal. But it has so far failed to examine issues affecting female workers including the gender pay gap, participation and workplace flexibility.

Minister for Industrial Relations, Natalie Hutchins, said that the failure to include these issues in either the Terms of Reference or the subsequent issue papers demonstrated the Abbott Government’s attitude towards female workers.

The Abbott Government’s plans for the minimum wage and penalty rates will also hit women hard, with females making up 57.6 per cent of employees paid the award wage and 64.3 per cent of those employed casually.

The Labor Government’s submission highlighted that recent ABS data shows that the pay gap was 18 per cent and at risk of worsening.

Furthermore, less than one in two employees knew they have the right to request family friendly working arrangements.

The Labor Government will stand up for the rights of women in the workforce and for equal opportunity.

Premier Daniel Andrews recently announced that no less than 50 per cent of all future appointments to paid Government boards and Victorian courts will be women.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Industrial Relations, Natalie Hutchins

“The Abbott Government’s failure to address these issues shows just how out of touch they are, as well as a seeming willingness to have females paid less.”

“Female participation is vital for our state and country’s economic success. But Tony Abbott is more concerned with taking away penalty rates from employees, who rely on them to make ends meet.”

“It doesn’t matter if you’re a man or a woman, every Victorian should be given a fair go and a fair wage.”

“The Andrews Labor Government will stand up for gender equality.”