Male workers in the public sector earn an average of $8,200 more than women each year, report finds
The Commonwealth public sector has recorded a 6.4% pay gap between men and women, with nearly half of employers logging a median pay gap within the target range.
This is according to data released for the first time by the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA).
The published data revealed the pay gap of 120 public sector employers and two corporate groups, including Australia Post, the Australian Tax Office, the Reserve Bank, and other federal government departments.
"Commonwealth public sector pay gap of 6.4% means men earn, on average, $8,200 more than women each year," WGEA said in a media release.
This is much lower than the 21% gender pay gap in the private sector, which was released a year ago.
According to WGEA, half of public sector employers have a median total remuneration gender pay gap below 4.8%, and 45% fall within the target range of ±5%.
WGEA CEO Mary Wooldridge said a critical driver in these pay gaps is the public sector's achievement of gender balance in the composition of the workforce, at managerial level, and in the upper quartile of remuneration.
The report also found that 51% of public sector employers improved their median total remuneration gender pay gap in the past 12 months.
A further 76% of employers said their most recent gender pay gap analysis was conducted within the past 12 months.
"These actions are crucial steps to help employers gain greater understanding of the drivers of their individual gender pay gaps and to implement relevant and evidence-informed actions to address them," Wooldridge said in a statement.
Minister for Finance and Women Katy Gallagher said she is pleased to see the progress in the public sector.
"Our government is determined to continue shifting the dial on closing the gender pay gap, boosting women's economic participation, and ensuring we have safe and supportive workplaces for women," Gallagher said in a statement.
Meanwhile, Wooldridge noted that there's "still work to do" despite the progress.
According to the report, 49% of employers still have a gender pay gap in favour of men.
It also found that men account for just 11% of all primary carers' leave taken, and that more employers can prioritise consultation with employees on sexual harassment risks and mitigation.
"Commonwealth public sector employers should draw on WGEA's results to compare their performance with the broader sector, assess areas of opportunity, and refine action plans to ensure their workplaces are fair and safe for all employees," Wooldridge said.
The public sector's gender pay gap data have been released following the legislation in 2023 that ordered employers with over 100 employees to have their gender pay gaps published on the WGEA website.
The publication of private sector gender pay gap data was carried out last year, with the public sector following a different timeline, according to WGEA.
