The Briefing Barnaby Joyce quits + Why you’re getting paid less than your colleague
Nov 27, 2025
Mary Woolridge, the CEO of the Workplace Gender Equality Agency, discusses the latest gender pay gap report, revealing that women still earn nearly $30,000 less than men annually. She delves into why the average pay gap persists, citing workforce structure and industry segregation as key factors. Woolridge also addresses the alarming disparity in CEO pay and provides practical advice for those suspecting unequal pay. Additionally, she highlights an encouraging trend: more men are taking parental leave, positively impacting gender norms.
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Wider Momentum Drives The Pay Gap Down
- The national gender pay gap is narrowing and improving across many industries, not just one sector.
- The improvement reflects widespread employer action tracked over a decade of reporting to the Workplace Gender Equality Agency.
Gap Measures Total Remuneration Not Just Salary
- The reported 21.1% gap measures average total remuneration, not just base salary.
- That figure includes bonuses, overtime and superannuation, and reflects workforce structure and industry mix.
Pay Disparity Grows At CEO Level
- The gender pay gap widens at senior levels, with female CEOs markedly underpaid compared to male peers.
- Industry concentration and fewer women in high-paying sectors partly explain but don't fully justify the disparity.