6 years ago
NO NATIONAL GENDER EQUALITY POLICY
THE HON TANYA PLIBERSEK MP
The UN has condemned the Liberals’ lack of action on gender equality and women’s rights in its review of Australia’s compliance with the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women.
The UN criticised the Liberal Government’s complete “absence of a comprehensive national gender equality policy and targeted action plan” and raised serious concerns that under the Government the Office for Women is unable to efficiently carry out and coordinate policies for gender equality.
The Committee made scathing critiques of: The Government’s lack of gender budget analysis and cuts to health and education budgets that hurt women. Budget cuts limiting access to legal aid for women and girls. Restrictions on civil society advocacy for women’s rights. Insufficient action to support First Nations women.
After five years of supporting policies that disadvantage women, the Liberals are still failing to take real action to achieve gender equality.
The Committee welcomed a number of policies introduced by the previous Labor Government, including: paid parental leave, the Workplace Gender Equality Act, the National Plan to Reduce Violence Against Women and their Children, strengthening protections against sexual harassment in the workplace and schools, and preventing discrimination against employees based on family responsibilities.
The UN criticised the Liberal Government’s complete “absence of a comprehensive national gender equality policy and targeted action plan” and raised serious concerns that under the Government the Office for Women is unable to efficiently carry out and coordinate policies for gender equality.
The Committee made scathing critiques of: The Government’s lack of gender budget analysis and cuts to health and education budgets that hurt women. Budget cuts limiting access to legal aid for women and girls. Restrictions on civil society advocacy for women’s rights. Insufficient action to support First Nations women.
After five years of supporting policies that disadvantage women, the Liberals are still failing to take real action to achieve gender equality.
The Committee welcomed a number of policies introduced by the previous Labor Government, including: paid parental leave, the Workplace Gender Equality Act, the National Plan to Reduce Violence Against Women and their Children, strengthening protections against sexual harassment in the workplace and schools, and preventing discrimination against employees based on family responsibilities.