CMNT_TITLE

Equal Remuneration Convention, 1951 (No. 100) - Australia (RATIFICATION: 1974)

With reference to its previous direct request, the Committee notes the detailed information supplied by the Government in its report and the attached documentation.

1. The Committee notes from the information provided on the impact of award restructuring that low-paid workers, including workers in female-dominated areas of employment, have received substantial pay raises through the minimum rates adjustment process. The Committee also notes that, in some cases, award restructuring may have involved women workers surrendering essential employment conditions for wage increases. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information both on the progress achieved in the practical application of the Convention through award restructuring and on the negative impact that restructuring may have on women's remuneration, taking into consideration the definition of remuneration contained in Article 1(a) of the Convention.

2. The Committee notes with interest the removal of gender-specific and discriminatory provisions from the Journalists' (Metropolitan Daily Newspapers) Award and the Hotels, Resorts and Hospitality Industry Award. It requests the Government to continue to provide information on further removals of discriminatory provisions from awards.

3. The Committee notes the Government's reference to an inquiry being conducted by the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission into discrimination in overaward remuneration. It requests the Government to provide information on the findings of this inquiry and on any measures taken as a result thereof, to ensure the application of equal remuneration for work of equal value to workers who are being paid above the minimum wage rate or who are not covered by awards, at both the Commonwealth and state levels.

4. The Committee requests the Governmnent to supply copies of any decisions which concern discrimination with respect to pay adopted by the Equal Opportunity Tribunal or by the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission, or by similar courts or bodies established at the state level.

5. The Committee notes with interest the Equal Pay Policy Statement from the Commonwealth Minister for Industrial Relations outlining government initiatives, such as the establishment of an Equal Pay Unit in the Department of Industrial Relations to implement the principle of equal remuneration for men and women workers for work of equal value. The Committee further notes with interest that, pursuant to its pay equity policy, the Government will also, inter alia, promote the use of job evaluation and performance appraisal schemes which are free from gender bias in their design and conduct, and cooperate with state and territory governments to promote a nationally consistent approach to pay equity issues in the application of wage-fixing principles. The Committee requests the Government to continue to supply information on the measures that have been taken or are envisaged to implement its pay equity policy, including the activities of and results achieved by the Equal Pay Unit, in relation in particular with award restructuring.