Rob Ward , CAANZ’s head of leadership and advocacy, said that action on gender reporting will help the business and finance sector accurately report on its actions and make sure business does more than simply “pay lip service” to improving gender equality and diversity in the workforce.
“While it is an important step it is not a silver bullet. Chartered accountants recognise the technical specialisation of reporting and the broader issue at hand as business advisers," he said.
“Women are under-represented in the business and finance sector – despite recent efforts to genuinely address this. The consultation showed that there is strong support across all industries."
CAANZ said integrity in gender reporting will assist employers to address their actions and right them if needed, but also to see the benefits of their actions and be encouraged to go further.
“There are many examples where gender reporting is not accompanied with other initiatives and they fail to make the intended results within a timely manner.
“However, we are encouraged by the government’s commitment and support to the working group of Australia’s leaders in gender equality and workplace diversity,” he added.
