Women, work and industrial relations in Australia in 2016

The experience of women, work and industrial relations is diverse even though the data relating to that experience are often presented in aggregate form. While such data may offer a general snapshot of key areas such as the overall patterns of women's participation in the labour market and the average gender pay gap, such high-level analysis obscures the differences among women and consequently does not draw attention to the areas of greatest inequality. Although Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women experience particular disadvantage in the labour market, there is a dearth of research examining this experience. This article will provide an overview of general developments for women, work and industrial relations in 2016 and will be supplemented by an overview of the position of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women that does not fill the information gap, but rather more clearly delineates it in order to suggest avenues of further urgent research need.