Equal Pay Day in Australia is a grim reminder of the reality facing women around the nation, with direct action needed to reduce the gender pay gap.
Shadow Minister for Women Michelle O'Byrne said rather than being a cause for celebration, Equal Pay Day shines a light on women's inequality in the workforce.
"There is a real irony to the fact that Equal Pay Day 2020 falls on 28 August - 59 days after the end of the financial year," Ms O'Byrne said
"59 is the number of extra days the average woman must work to earn the same as a man for the previous year.
"The national gender pay gap sits at 14 per cent and, with women more likely to be in insecure work, they have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19.
"The Federal Government's decision to remove the JobKeeper payment from childcare ahead of any other sectors and the reintroduction of childcare fees has also taken a greater toll on women, reducing the options for mothers wanting to re-enter or remain in the workforce.
If we are to genuinely tackle this issue and level the playing field, both the Federal and State Government's need to apply a gender lens and address specific initiatives to combat the impact of COVID-19 on women and provide them with better opportunities in recovery.
The State Government's focus on infrastructure projects will help the recovery but these jobs are primarily held by men. What we really need is a broader perspective, to create jobs in other struggling sectors, grow jobs for women and provide them with better job security. Equal Pay Day is the perfect opportunity to start making real change."
Michelle O'Byrne
Shadow Minister for Women
