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🗞️ Driving the news: A new study by Australia's Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) reveals a 13.5% gender pay gap in the public sector, compared to 21.7% in the private sector
• This data, reported for the first time by 116 commonwealth public-sector employers, shows women in the public sector earn 86 cents for every dollar earned by men

🔭 The context: The smaller pay gap in the public sector is attributed to more flexible working practices and a higher rate of full-time employment compared to the private sector
• The average salary for female public servants was $121,435, while males earned $140,442 in 2022

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Reducing the gender pay gap is crucial for promoting gender equality and economic fairness, aligning with broader ESG goals that emphasize equitable treatment and opportunities for all genders

⏭️ What's next: The report highlights the need for a cultural shift in how parental leave is perceived, encouraging more men to take it without career repercussions
• It also calls for more thorough gender pay analyses by employers to address underlying causes of pay disparities

💬 One quote: "There is more work to do, we need to encourage stronger uptake of parental leave by men, and part-time workers should not be overlooked for promotion," said Public Service Minister Katy Gallagher

📈 One stat: Women made up 79% of part-time employees in the public sector, with only 4% of part-time workers receiving promotions in 2022

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