The right to work is something many of us may take for granted but for women in Australia, it has been a long, determined journey. From forced resignations after marriage to equal pay and national paid parental leave, women have faced and overcome decades of systemic discrimination in the workforce.
At eairwoman, we believe that understanding the history of women’s work rights is key to continuing the progress and empowering women to plan boldly for their future. Here’s a look at some of the pivotal moments that helped shape Australia’s workplace landscape for women.
1966 – Married Women Allowed to Work in Public Service
Until 1966, women in the Commonwealth Public Service were forced to resign once they got married. That same rule stripped them of any access to superannuation. The removal of this discriminatory policy marked the beginning of a shift, one where women could begin to work on their own terms and keep their retirement benefits intact.
1972 – Equal Pay Decision
One of the most significant changes came in 1972, when the Conciliation and Arbitration Commission awarded women the right to equal pay for equal work. This made over a million female workers eligible for the same wages as their male colleagues, boosting women’s earnings by an average of 30%.
The journey didn’t stop there. In 1974, women were finally included in the national minimum wage another foundational step toward equity.
1973 – Maternity Leave for Public Servants
With the introduction of the Maternity Leave (Commonwealth Employees) Act, eligible public servants were entitled to 12 weeks of paid maternity leave and up to 40 weeks unpaid leave. It was a breakthrough in supporting working mothers and building the foundation for more inclusive workplaces.
The 1980s to 2000s – Political Progress and Representation
The 1980s saw a rise in women entering political leadership roles. In 1986, Joan Child became the first female Speaker in the House of Representatives, and Janine Haines led a political party. By 2008, Dame Quentin Bryce became the first female Governor-General, and in 2010, Julia Gillard became Australia’s first female Prime Minister. These milestones reflected not just political change but cultural shifts around what women could and should lead.
2011 – National Paid Parental Leave Scheme Introduced
In 2011, Australia introduced its first national Paid Parental Leave scheme. Eligible parents could receive 18 weeks of pay while caring for a newborn or adopted child. This scheme acknowledged the dual roles women often carry, as caregivers and earners, and helped close the gap between work and family life.
Progress, But Not Equality – Not Yet
Today, women represent nearly 47% of Australia’s workforce. More women than men graduate from university and postgraduate programs. And yet, the gender pay gap persists. According to data, women earn on average 13.9% less than men working full-time, and their superannuation balances are 20.5% lower.
Women also remain underrepresented in leadership roles, holding only:
- 14.1% of chair positions
- 26.8% of directorships
- 17.1% of CEO positions
Structural challenges and cultural biases remain, from ongoing workplace discrimination to inappropriate hiring practices and undervaluing of caregiving responsibilities.
Why This History Matters
For women to thrive financially, it’s not just about equal pay. It’s about equal opportunity, access, and recognition. It’s about building a workforce that values all contributions, supports flexible work, and empowers every woman to plan for a secure retirement.
At eairwoman, we continue this journey by helping women take control of their superannuation through practical tools, transparent support, and personalized retirement planning.
Summary
The path to workforce equality for women in Australia is filled with hard-won victories and powerful stories of resilience. But the work isn’t over.
By knowing our history, we strengthen our resolve to continue advocating for fair, inclusive workplaces and ensure that the rights fought for are not forgotten but built upon.
Start securing your future with tools made for women.
Download the eairwoman app today to take control of your retirement journey.
