Outdated gender norms and concepts of merit are holding Australia back, with the sex discrimination commissioner calling on families, governments, employers and the media to centre gender equality in all aspects of life.

In her first speech to the National Press Club, Dr Anna Cody on Wednesday outlined the structural change needed to ensure equal treatment of all genders.

She specifically referenced parental leave policies and the need to create an Australia where care giving is seen as a shared responsibility.

"We must change the narrative that taking parental leave is only for one parent. It's time to recognise that being both a worker and a carer at the same time is the reality for most of us," she told the press club.

"When leave is automatically available and parents have to opt o

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