The Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) has reported a gender pay gap of 13.5% in the federal public sector for 2022. This means that women earned 86 cents for every dollar earned by their male counterparts. While the public sector’s pay gap is two-thirds that of the private sector, there are still significant disparities that need to be addressed.
Several factors have contributed to the smaller pay gap in the public sector, including flexible working policies, higher rates of full-time employment, and a better gender balance at management levels. However, the report also noted that men are more likely to occupy higher-paying roles within the public sector.
The WGEA emphasized the need for a cultural shift to support parental leave and promote gender equality. Key initiatives suggested include encouraging men to take parental leave and ensuring that part-time workers are considered for promotions. These measures are seen as crucial steps towards achieving greater gender equality in the workplace.
