2023-10-23
The long-awaited release of the Women’s Economic Equality Taskforce (WEET) report confirms barriers to women fully participating in the workforce comes at a huge cost to the economy.
Many of its recommendations align with long-standing Greens policies and we’re delighted to see the experts agree with us on many reasonable and obvious improvements for women’s economic participation.
Lines attributable to Greens leader in the senate and spokesperson on women Senator Larissa Waters
“We knew the social costs of keeping women out of the workforce were high, but the WEET report released today confirms that the economic cost is equally eye-watering, estimated at $128 billion each year.
“Fairer paid parental leave is a no-brainer that benefits everyone - parents, children and the economy. The Greens support the WEET recommendations and will support the government to implement any and all improvements to PPL.
“WEET has again recommended that super be paid on PPL, a measure that would improve women’s economic equality - but Government are making women wait to fund it, but can somehow find $313 billion for the Stage 3 tax cuts.
“If the government is serious about increasing women’s workforce participation, it needs to do more than to nod sagely while a panel of expert women says these things. Labor needs to actually act.
“The Greens will be pushing to ensure Labor actually listens to the WEET’s advice - on PPL and all other areas of women’s economic security - rather than cherry picking recommendations as they did with the interim report.”
Lines attributable to Greens spokesperson on employment Senator Barbara Pocock
“Australia is an international outlier in terms of our support for workers with caring responsibilities. We have slipped too far behind. And we are paying a price in labour supply, stressed workers, and gender inequality.
“The WEET report reinforces the findings of the Senate Select Committee on Work and Care; we need to revolutionise our workplace laws so Australians, and particularly women, can find a balance between working and caring responsibilities.”