The State of Gender Equality: Victories and Challenges Across Australia.

Abstract

This chapter compares the performance of State and Territory governments on gendered political leadership and gender equality policies. We establish a series of indicators grouped into three categories on which we rank jurisdictions: (1) Representation (how many women get elected and what leadership positions they occupy); (2) Infrastructure (how parliaments accommodate gender differences); and (3) Policy-making and policy adoption (how parliaments make policy and whether gender equality policies are adopted). Our findings indicate that the ACT and Victoria are leaders on gender equality, while other jurisdictions are lagging behind. We also identify opportunities for substantial improvement across the federation. While significant progress in women’s representation had been achieved in most, if not all, jurisdictions, this does not always translate to equal access to political leadership positions within legislatures. Additionally, parliamentary infrastructure has been adapting to the growing presence of women in historically male-dominated political institutions, although the degree of progress varies. Finally, jurisdictions differ in the extent to which they integrate gender and diverse identities into the policy-making process and in formulating policies aimed at advancing gender equality. Show more