This week the Workplace Gender Equality Agency released new data on Australia’s gender pay gap, which has dropped to a record low of 13.3% - 87c for every dollar a man earns. But this doesn’t include bonuses, overtime payments or superannuation – the total remuneration gender pay gap is consistently 5% greater than the gender pay gap for base salaries alone

In November 2022, women’s average weekly ordinary full-time earnings across all industries and occupations was $1,653.60. For men it’s $1,907.10. Women are $253.50 worse off every week as a result of their gender, amounting to $13,182 over a year. Because the gender pay gap only reflects base salary for full-time workers, it’s only a limited reflection of the true situation.

As many Australians struggle with sharp increases in the cost of groceries, energy, fuel and housing, WGEA is calling attention to the disproportionate effect this persistent pay gap has for Australian women. With inflation at 7.8%, and rising, everyday essentials are becoming increasingly unaffordable.