Reporting extensions

Relevant employers must lodge their Gender Equality Report during the lodgement period (1 April - 31 May). 
If you cannot meet this deadline, you may apply for an extension before the end of the lodgement period.

Extension timeframes:

  • Automatic extension (1 month) – if you apply, you will automatically receive an extension until 30 June.
  • Extension beyond 1 month – only available in exceptional circumstances and subject to approval.

Note: To receive a Certificate of Compliance, you must lodge a fully compliant report by 31 May or within an approved extension period.

Who can apply

  • CEO or equivalent, or

  • Reporting contact.

What to include in your application

Your extension request must include:

  • Organisation’s name and ABN for each applicable submission group,

  • reason for requesting an extension, and

  • length of extension needed.

How to apply

1. Via the Employer Portal:

  • Log in and select ‘Lodge a support request’
  • Choose ‘General Enquiry’ as the case type

2. Via Email:

For standard 1-month extensions please email us using the templates below

Private sector employers

Apply here.

Public sector employers

Apply here.

  • An application form for longer extensions can be downloaded here.

Processing time: allow up to 10 business days for a response. Responses will be assessed using the date the request was received. 

Important information

  • Applications must be lodged by 31 May – late applications will not be considered.
  • Only one extension is allowed – once granted, you cannot apply for a further extension.

 

Please see Employer Portal for more information on accessing the Employer Portal.

For more information about extensions, refer to the extensions FAQs below. 

Frequently asked questions

How do I apply for an extension? 

You can either submit a support request and select the general enquiry option or you can email us using this link. Please use the subject heading: Application for extension. 
Why can’t I apply for an extension after the submission period? 

Under section 17 of the Workplace Gender Equality Act 2012, applicants must apply for an extension before the end of the current reporting lodgement period. These dates are: Private sector – 1 April to 31 May. 
Can I apply for more than one extension?  No. You can only apply for one extension each year.  
What if I need more than 1 month extension time? 

If your organisation is experiencing extenuating circumstances that may require a longer extension than 1 month. You can download the application form here and send the completed form to support@wgea.gov.au. Please use the subject heading: 'Application for extension'. 
How do I know if my extension is accepted? 

You will receive a response to your enquiry advising your 1-month extension has been approved, along with the new due date of your submission.  If you have applied for an extension prior to the end of the reporting period and we are unable to get back to you before the reporting period ends, we will still honour your extension.
Can I extend my extension period by another few weeks?  No. Once an extension has been granted, no further extensions can be approved. 
Will I be made non-compliant if I do not submit my report before the end of my extension period? 

You will be non-compliant if you do not lodge your report before the end of the extension period.   We encourage you to still lodge your report as soon as possible as you will still be eligible to receive an Executive Summary, Industry Benchmark Report and have your data published on the data explorer if you lodge by 31 October. 
Can I get a compliance certificate if I miss the reporting deadlines? 

You will not be eligible to receive a compliance certificate as you will be non-compliant with the reporting requirements of the Act. 
When do I need to lodge my extension? 

You need to apply for your extension prior to the last day of your lodgement period. These dates are:  Private sector – 1 April to 31 May.
What happens if I have submitted a request for help to WGEA and it is not resolved 31 May? 

If WGEA is unable to respond to your request for assistance prior to 31 May, we will work with you to lodge your report as soon as possible. You will not be non-compliant while this process is underway. 
Can I re-submit my report if I notice an error? 

When you lodge your report, you have 28 days to review and ensure there are no errors in your report. If you identify an error, you have the opportunity to re-submit your report within the 28-day period.  Outside of that 28-day period, you cannot re-open your report.
Will I be named on the non-compliant list if I do not report by 31 May but report after this date? 

WGEA considers many factors when deciding whether to exercise the discretion to name an employer on the non-compliant list.  The fact that you did lodge a report is strong grounds for the discretion to be exercised in your favour meaning that you will not be named by WGEA on the non-compliant list due to failing to lodge a report.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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