Some [Un]Equal Pay Days are more [un]equal than others
To mark this year's [Un]Equal Pay Day on 28 August 2019, the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) has calculated the date of each Australian state and territory's [Un]Equal Pay Day.
| Gender pay gap | Difference in average weekly full-time salary | Women's additional working days (on average)* | State's [Un]Equal Pay Day | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Australia | 9.2% | $140.90 | 37 | 6 August |
| Victoria | 9.6% | $160.00 | 38 | 7 August |
| Tasmania | 12.4% | $152.60 | 42 | 11 August |
| Australian Capital Territory | 12.5% | $240.40 | 52 | 21 August |
| Northern Territory | 13.4% | $240.70 | 56 | 25 August |
| New South Wales | 14.6% | $257.60 | 62 | 31 August |
| Queensland | 16.6% | $281.40 | 72 | 10 September |
| Western Australia | 21.8% | $419.40 | 101 | 9 October |
National |
14% |
$241.50 |
59 |
28 August |
*Rounded to nearest decimal point.
"The gender pay gap matters for women. Although the gap is closing faster in some states than others, Australian women still have to deal with a pay gap favouring men in every state and territory of our nation," said Libby Lyons, Director of the Workplace Gender Equality Agency.
"These results also show that the barriers women face in having the same opportunities and rewards in our workplaces as men remain stubbornly persistent. It's well beyond time for this to change.
"We have to see more employer action on addressing pay equity if we are going to keep reducing the gender pay gap. I urge all Australian employers to take action now.
"The gender pay gap will not close on its own. It will only close if all of us - employers and employees, women and men - work together to make it happen", she said.
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.
The gender pay gap is not the difference between two people being paid differently for work of equal or comparable value. This is unequal pay and it is unlawful.
Key facts
- The national gender pay gap is 14.0%. It has declined from 14.1% in the past 6 months.
- On average, women working full-time earned $1484.80 while men working full-time earned $1726.30.
- Full-time average weekly earnings difference between women and men is $241.50.
