Gender Equality Targets Scheme

In 2021, the Federal Government initiated a targeted review of the Workplace Gender Equality Act 2012 (the Act) which recommended that employers with 500 or more employees set targets for improving gender equality in their workplace against the Gender Equality Indicators (GEIs).  

On 26 March 2025, the Workplace Gender Equality Amendment (Setting Gender Equality Targets) Act 2025 passed, implementing the review's recommendation and requiring employers with 500 or more employees to select three targets against the GEIs based on data they already report to the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA). Employers must achieve or demonstrate progress on the targets over a 3 year period in order to be compliant with the Act. WGEA is offering a range of supports to employers to help them prepare before they select targets in 2026. The first reporting against targets will occur by employers in 2029.