SENATOR THE HON KATY GALLAGHER
MINISTER FOR FINANCE
MINISTER FOR WOMEN
MINISTER FOR THE PUBLIC SERVICE
MINISTER FOR GOVERNMENT SERVICES
SENATOR FOR THE ACT

AUSTRALIA’S GENDER PAY GAP NARROWS, BUT ACTION IS NEEDED AT THE TOP

The gender pay gap continues to narrow, dropping to 21.1 per cent, down from 21.8 per cent. Reported by Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) in its latest Gender Equality Scorecard, the gender pay gap reflects total remuneration for workers in large private sector employers and includes CEOs and managers.   

Alongside gender pay gap reporting, the Scorecard provides key information about gender equality progress in Australian workplaces. Encouragingly, more men are taking up paid parental leave, signaling cultural change towards shared care responsibilities. Employers are also advancing gender equality by adopting flexible work arrangements, including for managers and continuing to review gender pay gaps.

While there has been a slight increase in women in leadership roles and higher earning positions, progress to improve gender balance on governing bodies is too slow, with nearly a quarter of all governing bodies having no women on them at all. 

Achieving gender-balanced workforces remains elusive, especially at middle and senior management levels, and discretionary payments such as performance bonuses, allowances and over-time are driving up the gender pay gap, with men on average earning 60 per cent more than women through such payments.

The latest scorecard shows the clear role for employers and their governing bodies to drive change. The Government calls on employers, governing bodies and industry leaders to strengthen efforts for gender equality and a fair go for women.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Women, Katy Gallagher

“The gender pay gap affects women at every pay point from entry level to CEO and any reduction in the gap translates to more money in women’s pockets and better economic outcomes for women, their families, and the economy. The latest WGEA Gender Equality Scorecard shows how far we have come, and how far we have yet to go.

“The growing number of men taking paid parental leave is a testament to cultural change. However, we must not lose sight of areas requiring improvement, and the need for gender balance on governing bodies and for gender-balanced workforces.

“The Albanese Government remains dedicated to closing the gender pay gap and advancing gender equality, working in partnership with employers, employees, unions and industry.

“Today’s Scorecard demonstrates that meaningful change is within reach, but that we cannot take our eyes off the ball or step back from our commitments to strive for a fairer Australia.”

ENDS