http://hdl.handle.net/2328/25871 2013-05-25T02:21:49Z http://hdl.handle.net/2328/26384 Title: Gender pay equity in Australia: where are we now and where are we heading? Authors: Todd, P; Preston, A Abstract: In this article we consider the current trends in gender pay equity in Australia, identifying the lack of improvement, and indeed the recent deterioration, in the national gender wage ratio. We analyse the gender wage gap by industry, State, and labour force status and consider developments in the regulatory sphere and social context which have the potential to have an impact on gender pay equity. We conclude with a discussion of the future prospects for the gender wage gap. 2012-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/2328/26383 Title: Private retirement savings in Australia: current policy initiatives and gender equity implications Authors: Jefferson, T Abstract: This article assesses the implications for gender equity of three recent policy initiatives on superannuation in Australia: (i) government co-contributions for low-income earners; (ii) an increase in compulsory superannuation contributions from 9 to 12 per cent; and (iii) the pending introduction of ‘MySuper’ accounts, specifically designed for those who do not take an active interest in their superannuation accumulation. Implications for gendered patterns of superannuation coverage and superannuation accumulations are considered. The conclusion is that while the first measure may have some beneficial outcomes in terms of gendered patterns of accumulation, none of the three measures appears to deal with issues associated with gendered patterns of access to occupational superannuation. 2012-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/2328/26382 Title: Working time and managing care under Labor: whose flexibility? Authors: Heron, A; Charlesworth, S Abstract: Since the Labor Government’s election in 2007, debate around working-time flexibility has continued unabated. Employers argue that increasing employer-orientated flexibility through changes to minimum working-time standards and individual flexibility agreements is the path to enhanced productivity and a more effective economy. Unions and others have focused on the need for greater employee-orientated flexibility to facilitate combining work and care. However, on neither side of the debate has much attention been paid to basic principles that might inform working-time regulation in ways that would enable individual workers to manage their work and care responsibilities better and deliver a more sustainable and gender-equitable economy. The article outlines recent contestation around flexibility and argues that without ensuring adequate minimum working-time standards for all workers, the gendered divide around work and care will continue to be reinforced. 2012-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/2328/26381 Title: Maternal employment and childcare in Australia: achievements and barriers to satisfying employment Authors: Boyd, W Abstract: The Australian Government has begun effecting significant changes that focus on the provision of high-quality, accessible early-childhood education and care (ECEC). This approach is twofold: it recognises the continual increase of maternal employment and its value to the productivity of Australia, and the importance of the early years of life. This article examines the significant changes made to ECEC policy and highlights some key areas of concern for parents, and mothers in particular, as they make plans for entering (or re-entering) the workforce. These areas of concern are likely to have an impact upon children, families, and the productivity agenda. 2012-01-01T00:00:00Z