Australia is showing off its progress on gender pay gaps ahead of a major summit. 

The Federal Government says Australia has made notable strides towards achieving gender equality as it approaches the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, adopted by 189 countries at the Fourth United Nations World Conference on Women in Beijing in 1985. 

This declaration aimed to advance gender equality on a global scale.

To commemorate the milestone, Australia has presented its national review of gender equality to the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific. 

This review outlines the country's achievements and the ongoing challenges in this field.

“The report reflects Australia’s positive journey towards achieving gender equality - acknowledging the significant legislative, policy and structural reforms implemented since the last report five years ago,” said Senator Katy Gallagher, Minister for Women.

She said this includes reforms initiated by the Albanese Government, such as making early childhood education and care more affordable and extending and making the Paid Parental Leave scheme more flexible.

Significant investments have also been made in women's safety. 

The government has allocated a record $3.4 billion to the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children. Additionally, paid domestic violence leave and workplace protections against sexual harassment and assault have been introduced. Measures to protect those experiencing violence from workplace discrimination have also been established.

Senator Gallagher also noted the introduction of gender-responsive budgeting, ensuring women's equality is considered across all government policy development and decision-making processes. 

Additionally, she highlighted the legislative reforms aimed at improving transparency and reporting on the gender pay gap, which now includes the Commonwealth public sector and employers with 100 or more employees.

A key indicator of progress is the highest recorded number of women in the Commonwealth Parliament, with women holding 44.5 per cent of seats across both chambers. 

However, the report also acknowledges the need for further advancements to achieve a truly gender-equal society.

“Australia is committed to being a global leader on gender equality,” Gallagher stated. 

“Gender equality is a priority for this Government and in March, we launched the country’s first national strategy with an explicit focus on achieving gender equality.”

However, Gallagher acknowledges that challenges remain, including ending violence against women, better valuing and sharing paid and unpaid care, and closing the gender pay gap. “This report shows that we are heading in the right direction,” she said.

Australia’s review will contribute to a global synthesis, which will be presented at the 69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women in March 2025.