The Wire

As new the Industrial Relations laws take affect, a new study had raised concerns about the status of women in the workplace and the lack of data on the subject. The report, “Women’s Employment Status Key Indicators”, was released today by the National Foundation of Australian Women, the Women’s Electoral Lobby and the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission. It shows that many women are still employed in low paying sectors such as retail and child care and are dependant award rates. The study also highlights significant gaps in the information that has been gathered on the workplace. It seems gender and types of employment agreements are areas often left out. With changes being made to wages and conditions, women’s groups are concerned information won’t be available to monitor the impact of the new legislation on women. The Wire’s Kirsten Veness spoke with Jenny Earle, spokeswoman for the National Women’s Electoral Lobby about the aims and findings of the report as well as Jenny Earle from the National Women’s Electoral Lobby.