Australia: Gender rules spark fears of red tape rise

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(From abc.net.au) The business industry says it is concerned Federal Government reforms to improve gender equality in the workplace will further add to red tape.

(From abc.net.au) The business industry says it is concerned Federal Government reforms to improve gender equality in the workplace will further add to red tape.

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But a veteran campaigner for equal rights says the reforms will compel companies to promote women.

But a veteran campaigner for equal rights says the reforms will compel companies to promote women.

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Under the changes announced on Wednesday, companies with more than 100 staff will be required to report on how many workers are female and how their conditions compare to male employees.

Under the changes announced on Wednesday, companies with more than 100 staff will be required to report on how many workers are female and how their conditions compare to male employees.

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Spot checks will also be carried out, with non-compliant businesses to be shut out of government-funded grants and industry assistance programs.

Spot checks will also be carried out, with non-compliant businesses to be shut out of government-funded grants and industry assistance programs.

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David Gregory from the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry says the changes would place an administrative burden on business.

David Gregory from the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry says the changes would place an administrative burden on business.

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"We are certainly supportive of effective measures that can work to improve the participation of women in the Australian workplace," he said.

"We are certainly supportive of effective measures that can work to improve the participation of women in the Australian workplace," he said.

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