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7mo ago

First Public Sector Gender Pay Gap Data Highlights Progress and Persistent Inequities

Newly released data shows the Commonwealth public sector's gender pay gap is significantly narrower than the private sector's, but challenges like carers' leave uptake and discretionary pay remain.

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The main pedestrian entrance of the Reserve Bank of Australia building at 65 Martin Place in the central business district of Sydney. The automatic glass doors are briefly open. This image was taken from outside the building, looking through the glass facade, on a sunny afternoon on 15 December 2023.
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Overview

  • The Commonwealth public sector gender pay gap stands at 6.4%, compared to 21.1% in the private sector, with women earning 94 cents for every dollar earned by men, a difference of $8,200 annually.
  • Nearly half (45%) of public sector employers have a median pay gap within the target range of ±5%, compared to 31% in the private sector, reflecting targeted equality strategies.
  • Over half (51%) of public sector employers improved their median total remuneration gender pay gap in the past year, driven by actions like pay gap analyses and consultations with employees.
  • Structural barriers persist, with only 11% of men taking primary carers' leave and men more likely to receive above-base pay, such as bonuses and overtime, further widening disparities.
  • The Workplace Gender Equality Agency's publication of employer-level data, enabled by 2023 legislative reforms, aims to enhance transparency and accountability while highlighting areas for continued improvement.