Australia’s national gender pay gap (GPG) across public and private sector employers sits at 22.8%, the same as in 2021. This means women earn, on average, $263.90 less than men each week.

The ANMF’s membership is predominantly female, with 89% of the nursing profession identifying as women. Measures to eliminate the gender pay gap are vital for our members to enjoy a healthier working life and retirement. There are many reasons for the GPG, and in the last year, a number of measures have been introduced to tackle the problem.

Caring responsibilities

Women take parental leave, some of which is paid, but most will have a period of unpaid work or be paid at a lower rate than their usual income. Over this period, it is rare for employers to pay superannuation on the paid component of leave and even more so for the unpaid period. This means that women experience reduced income while on parental leave and lose vital contributions to their super balance.

The Commonwealth Government has recently increased the period of government-funded parental leave from 18 weeks to 26. This is a positive step forward, but the rate is set at the minimum weekly wage rather than actual income. In addition, we are still fighting to ensure superannuation is paid on Government funded leave.

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