Australia’s gender pay gap now at 14 per cent

Australia’s gender pay gap means women must work an extra 59 days to earn the same as men, new workplace data reveals.

The national gender pay gap now stands at 14 per cent, according to new data.

Six months ago, it was 14.1 per cent, the Workplace Gender Equality Agency, a government statutory body, says.

On average, women working full-time earned $1484.80 while men working full-time earned $1726.30 a week, a difference of $241.50.

Today is [Un] #EqualPayDay! The 14% #GenderPayGap means that women must work an extra 59 days to earn the same as men. Tweet us why #TheGapMatters to you!

— WGEA (@WGEAgency) August 27, 2019

The national gender pay gap measures the difference between the average weekly full-time base salary earnings of women and men, expressed as a percentage of men’s earnings, the agency says in a statement.

It is a measure of women’s overall position in the paid workforce and does not compare like roles.

South Australia (9.2 per cent or $140.90) and Victoria (9.6 per cent or $160) had the lowest gaps, while Western Australia had the highest at 21.8 per cent ($419.50).

“The gender pay gap matters for women. Although the gap is closing faster in some states than others, Australian women still have to deal with a pay gap favouring men in every state and territory of our nation,” said Libby Lyons, director of the Workplace Gender Equality Agency.

“These results also show that the barriers women face in having the same opportunities and rewards in our workplaces as men remain stubbornly persistent. It’s well beyond time for this to change.”

Ms Lyons called for more efforts from employers to address pay equity, saying the gap will not close on its own without co-operation from all concerned.

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Originally published as Australia’s gender pay gap now at 14 per cent