Major employers face new rules on gender equality

New gender equality standards across Australia will affect almost 2000 large-sized workplaces. (Julian Smith/AAP PHOTOS)

Major Australian employers will be required to set and meet gender equality targets in a push to lift workplace standards for male and female employees.

From April 1, private sector employers with 500 or more employees will need to select three gender equality targets and report these to the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA).