Australia's Gender Pay Gap Remains Significant

The gender pay gap in Australia remains significant, with women effectively working for free for the last 42 days of the year, according to the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU). The gap is reported to be 11.5% based on full-time weekly earnings, but the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) suggests a higher gap of 21.7% when including all forms of employment. Legislative efforts are underway to address this disparity, requiring companies with over 500 employees to set gender targets and provide flexible working conditions. Despite improvements, particularly in sectors like aged care following recent pay raises, the gap is more pronounced among older women and CEOs, with some earning $53,000 less annually than their male counterparts. The ACTU notes the gender pay gap is shrinking faster under the current government, with projections suggesting more rapid progress towards equality compared to previous administrations. Sources highlight that systemic challenges like workplace equality and flexible work arrangements remain key areas for continued focus.