Key Facts:
Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre report
With an ongoing gender pay gap of 21.8% according to the latest WGEA figures. For every $1 on average a man makes, women earn 78c. Over the course of a year, that difference adds up to $28,425.
MELBOURNE, 13 October 2025 — The Recalibrate Gender Equity Awards today announced Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC as the newest inductee into its Hall of Fame, recognising a trailblazing career spanning sport, business, philanthropy, and national service.
Mostyn currently serves as Australia's 28th Governor-General, sworn in on 1 July 2024, a milestone that capped decades of leadership advancing inclusion and care in public life.
"Sam Mostyn has spent years opening doors for others and then standing with them while they walk through," said Lisa Sweeney, CEO Business in Heels, the organisation behind Recalibrate: Gender Equity Awards. "Her legacy is measurable change for women and families, and a national conversation that puts care, community, and fairness at the centre of prosperity."
A record of firsts and lasting impact
- Trailblazer in Australian sport — In 2005, Mostyn became the AFL's first female commissioner, helping drive the league's Respect and Responsibility policy and laying the groundwork that lifted standards for women and girls in football.
- Economic equality reform — As Chair of the Women's Economic Equality Taskforce, her advice informed the Australian Government's decision to pay superannuation on government Paid Parental Leave from 1 July 2025, a structural step to narrow the retirement gap.
- Responsible capital leadership — As Chair of Aware Super, one of Australia's largest funds, she has presided over an agenda linking long-term performance with climate action and gender equity.
- First Nations education champion — After a decade on the board, Mostyn became Patron of the GO Foundation in 2025, supporting scholarships for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
- Shaping the 'care economy' narrative — As Chief Executive Women President, her National Press Club platform helped reframe policy debate from career alone to care and participation, influencing subsequent budgets and reforms.
"Hall of Fame honourees are selected for contributions that are both pioneering and proven. Sam's work shows up in safer codes of sport, better retirement outcomes for parents, clearer pathways for First Nations students, and a more human economy," Sweeney added.
About the Recalibrate Gender Equity Awards
The Recalibrate Gender Equity Awards recognise the organisations and leaders who are making evidence-based, scalable progress on gender equity across Australia. The Hall of Fame honours lifetime contribution and enduring impact.
Recalibrate celebrates organisations and people creating equitable workplaces, audited by KPMG and winners unveiled at Crown, Melbourne on 19th November 6-10pm.
Visit genderequityawards.com
