A 10-year-plan to unleash the full capacity and contribution of women to the Australian economy 2023 - 2033

About the Women’s Economic Equality Taskforce

The Women’s Economic Equality Taskforce was established to provide advice to the Australian Government to support the advancement of women’s economic equality and achieve gender equality, as committed to in the Women’s Budget Statements of October 2022 and May 2023.

The taskforce is an independent group of eminent women with valuable experience, expertise and insights across key economic, social and labour market contexts. All taskforce members were appointed by the Minister for Women, Senator the Hon Katy Gallagher, to provide bold and independent recommendations to Government that:

  • Drive women’s equality as an economic imperative.
  • Inform the National Strategy to Achieve Gender Equality.
  • Advise on key issues arising from the Jobs and Skills Summit in September 2022, including informing work on the Jobs and Skills white paper.
  • Assist in the implementation of gender-responsive policy and budgeting processes.

In relation to its priority contributions, the taskforce was directed to advise on measures to address:

  • Disadvantages experienced by women from traditionally marginalised backgrounds.
  • The gender pay gap and related issues around women’s workforce participation, advancement, gender segregation and patterns of paid and unpaid care.
  • Ensuring more gender-equal economic outcomes in relation to the skills and industries of the future.
  • Safe and respectful workplaces, including for women experiencing violence.

The taskforce was also invited to:

  • Undertake targeted consultation or research, including with women ‘on the ground’, from all walks of life.
  • Seek briefings with key stakeholders and experts, as required, on a range of issues that impact women’s economic equality.
  • Undertake other activities as required, such as providing feedback on upcoming legislation.

The taskforce first met on 21 September 2022 (with the Minister for Women) and subsequently met on 2 November 2022, 5 December 2022, 19 December 2022, 23 January 2023, 13 February 2023, 1 March 2023 (with the Minister for Women), 21 March 2023 and 17 April 2023. The taskforce held its 10th and final official meeting on 28 April 2023.

The taskforce also engaged in:

  • 10 engagement sessions with women and organisations around Australia
  • 10 meetings with key government department leaders.

In addition, preparing the recommendations outlined in this report, the taskforce also provided formal advice on:

  • Paid Parental Leave design in November 2022 and June 2023
  • The 2023-24 Federal Budget in March 2023
  • Participated in the Office for Women’s consultation sessions to inform the National Gender Equality Strategy

Thank you to taskforce members:

  • Sam Mostyn AO (Chair)
  • Chiou See Anderson
  • Shelley Cable
  • Shirleen Campbell (until March 2023)
  • Sam Connor
  • Professor Rae Cooper AO
  • Terese Edwards
  • Sizol Fuyana
  • Hon Jenny Macklin AC
  • Michele O’Neil
  • Adrienne Picone (until February 2023)
  • Jennifer Westacott AO
  • Danielle Wood