Community, local government and business urged to improve workplaces for women

8/8/02
Women's Interests Minister Sheila McHale has told a forum that creating fair workplaces for women also plays a key role in the wellbeing of families and the broader community.
Ms McHale was a main speaker at the forum attended by representatives of the business sector, local and State Governments and the wider community.
The purpose of the forum was to identify strategies to achieve the goals and priorities identified at the recent Women's Convention held in March this year.
"The State Government believes in fair, flexible and supportive workplaces where women are recognised for their contributions, skills and diversity in all occupations and have equal opportunities for career development and advancement," Ms McHale said.
"Currently in Western Australia women earn 21.5 per cent less than their male counterparts while nationally the pay gap is only 15.4 per cent.
"While there is a higher than average female participation rate in the workforce, women continue to be over-represented in part-time and casual employment."
Ms McHale told the forum there was also low representation of women relative to men in senior management positions, boards and committees.
"We also cannot develop effective policies towards 'Fairness in the Workplace' without acknowledging both the economic and social value of unpaid work, the majority of which is done by women," she said.
The 'Fairness in the Workplace' forum was jointly hosted by Ms McHale and State Consumer and Employment Protection Minister John Kobelke.
Also officiating at the opening were the Mayor of the City of Stirling, Tony Vallelonga JP, and South Metropolitan MLC Kate Doust.
Minister's Office - 9213 6900