About the Workplace Gender Equality (WGE) Committee


"There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28)

Our Catholic school system is a genuine instrument of the Church, a place of real and specific pastoral ministry. We have a unique role in being the stewards for our next generations, having the ability to promote attitudes, beliefs and practices of equality that will be the foundation for our society in the future. 

Within the context of meeting the needs of students, the Workplace Gender Equality (WGE) Committee seeks to ensure that work practices and policies support all staff in balancing their personal responsibilities and professional careers.

The WGE Committee also works within the culture of our schools, ensuring that they are engaged in dialogue around issues significant to fairness and equality in society. As a result, school communities will in turn, promote respect for the dignity of each individual and the creation of harmonious environments free from harassment.

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Additionally, the WGE Committee is mindful of the State and Commonwealth legislative frameworks that underpin the responsibilities of all employers within our community. Of particular relevance to the Committee are the following legislative frameworks:

  • Workplace Gender Equality Act 2012 (Commonwealth)
  • Fair Work Act 2009 (Commonwealth)
  • NSW Industrial Relations Act 1996 (NSW)
  • Australian Human Rights Commission Act 1986 (Commonwealth)
  • Sex Discrimination Act 1984 (Commonwealth)
  • Age Discrimination Act 2004 (Commonwealth)
  • Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW)

The WGE Committee has an obligation to monitor and recommend action in relation to the requirements of the legislative framework and subsequent amendments. The Committee will also seek to contribute to submissions regarding proposed amendments as appropriate. Within this context the WGE Committee is charged with the responsibility of meeting mandatory compliance duties in accordance with the Workplace Gender Equality Act 2012 (Cth).

The WGE Committee will enliven the following objectives within our Catholic systemic school workplaces: 

  • to promote and improve gender equality
  • to support equitable remuneration principles
  • to support the removal of barriers (including the elimination of discrimination) that restrict the full and equal participation of women in the workforce
  • to recognise and support all Staff with family and care responsibilities
  • to foster workplace consultation between the Catholic Education Office and all Staff on issues concerning gender equality in employment and in the workplace
  • to improve the effectiveness of our schools through the advancement of gender equality in employment and in the workplace

 

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