Gender Equity Discussions in the Senate (19/08/2024)

**Summary of Key Issues Related to Gender Equity from the Australian Parliament Proceedings on August 19, 2024**

1. **Equal Pay Day**: Senator Larissa Waters highlighted that August 19 marks Equal Pay Day, symbolizing the extra 50 days women must work to earn the same income as their male counterparts for the year. The gender pay gap currently stands at 12% for full-time workers and even higher for total remuneration, which reflects systemic undervaluation of historically feminized professions.

2. **Government Efforts on Gender Pay Equity**: The government has been urged to legislate above-average wage increases for workers in feminized industries to rectify ongoing disparities. Recent pay increases for early childhood and aged care workers were acknowledged but seen as insufficient compared to what workers deserve.

3. **Call for Broader Changes**: There are calls for the government to address the superannuation pay gap, which is considerably higher for women, as well as the need for genuine support for essential services that cater to women’s needs, such as accessible menstrual products for disabled persons. Senator Jordon Steele-John noted that proposed cuts to disability support, which included excluding essential items like menstrual products from covered supports, indicate a failure to prioritize women’s health and dignity.

4. **Impact on Women of Deepfake Legislation**: Discussions surrounding the Criminal Code Amendment Bill relating to deepfake sexual material mentioned that such digital violations predominantly target women, impacting their lives significantly. Senator Waters advocated for stronger government action to criminalize the creation of non-consensual deepfakes, emphasizing that existing measures were inadequate.

5. **Role of Education and Support Services**: There is a recognized need for proper funding for frontline services that address issues of gendered violence and the impacts of deepfake abuse. The Senate emphasized the importance of integrating education about consent and healthy relationships into school curriculums.

6. **Political Accountability and Representation**: Concerns were raised about women’s representation in decision-making roles within various fields, particularly highlighted through the discussion about boards of superannuation funds. There were calls for inclusion of independent directors to ensure greater accountability, given potential conflicts of interest when union members occupy significant positions.

Through these discussions, there is a clear call for ongoing work toward advancing gender equity, addressing the gender pay gap, supporting women’s health and safety, and ensuring adequate representation in political and professional spheres.

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