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

THE HON AMANDA RISHWORTH MP 
MINISTER FOR EMPLOYMENT AND WORKPLACE RLATIONS 

GENDER PAY GAP AT RECORD LOW AND WOMEN’S PARTICIPATION AT RECORD HIGH

Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data released today reveals Australia’s gender pay gap is at the lowest ever level since records began, at 11.5 per cent.

This means Australian women working full-time now earning, on average, more than $250 a week more since the Albanese Government was elected in May 2022.

Encouragingly, the data shows that women’s workforce participation has also hit a record high, growing to 63.5 per cent, with more women are working more hours.

Reducing the gender pay gap has been at the centre of the Albanese Government’s economic policies over the past three years, with key measures such a better wages for workers in the care economy, improving workplace laws to deal with gender undervaluation, improving gender pay gap reporting, banning pay secrecy provisions and investing in skills and training through fee-free TAFE all working to improve what women earn in Australia.  

The Albanese Government will continue to support policies that reduce the gender pay gap and ensure women earn more and keep more of what they earn. 

Quotes attributable to Minister for Women, Senator the Hon Katy Gallagher:

“Under Labor, Australian women are now earning more than $250 a week more on average than they were before we came to government in 2022, or around $40 more than they were at the end of last year.

“This isn’t by accident, it’s the result of intentional, sustained work by the Albanese Labor Government to help Australian women get a better deal and take home more in their weekly pay packets.

“We know there is still more to do, but today’s news that the gender pay gap is again at an all-time low shows that with a government that cares, and that is prepared to deliver outcomes, we can shift the dial in the right direction.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, Senator the Hon Amanda Rishworth MP:

“Not only has the gender pay gap fallen to its record low, it is also encouraging to see data today showing a record 63.5 per cent of women are now participating in the labour market and the number of women in work full time work grew by 40,100 in July.”

“These numbers today are encouraging news and backs in our Government’s focus on advancing gender equality.”

ENDS