Equal Pay Day

Some Equal Pay Days have kept the gap wider than others

To mark this year’s Equal Pay Day on 28 August 2020, the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) has calculated the date of each Australian state and territory’s Equal Pay Day.

Gender pay gapThe difference between male and female average weekly full-time salaryWomen’s additional working days (on average)State’s Equal Pay Day
ACT8.1%$156.90321 August
SA8.4%$132.20332 August
TAS8.5%$131.00343 August
VIC9.9%$175.80409 August
NT12.2%$220.405119 August
QLD15.3%$268.60664 September
NSW15.3%$286.00664 September
WA22.7%$454.0010715 October
National14.0%$253.605928 August

“In every state and territory of Australia, women are dealing with the consequences of pay gaps favouring men, said Libby Lyons, Director of the Workplace Gender Equality Agency. “That we still have a gender pay gap clearly shows that women and men do not have equal standing in the Australian workforce.”

“I know many organisations are going through tough times because of the COVID-19 crisis, but Australian employers still have a really important role to play in closing the pay gap. We know from the data we have collected over the last six years that the actions of employers have led to material improvements in gender equality outcomes in our workplaces and the subsequent drop in the gender pay gap.

“This Equal Pay Day, I urge all employers to stay on track and keep the gap in mind. Do that pay gap analysis and take action on the findings. Set targets, measure your progress, make people accountable for the outcomes and report the results to your board and executive team. Make sure all of your employees – women and men – have equal access to flexible work and paid parental leave. If all employers do this, the pay gap will continue to head south.”

About the national gender pay gap

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

Key facts

  • The national gender pay gap is 14.0%.
  • On average, women working full-time earned $1558.40 while men working full-time earned $1812.00.
  • Full-time average weekly earnings difference between women and men is $253.60.

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