Low pay in WA

AN independent report has found that Western Australia has the largest gap between men’s and women’s wages of any State.

The report provides several recommendations for addressing the gender pay gap, and was tabled in parliament by Consu-mer and Employment Protection Minister John Kobelke.

“It is unacceptable that women in this State remain so manifestly disadvantaged, in terms of pay, when compared to men and other Australian women,” Mr Kobelke said.

“Averages show women’s wages are 6.5 per cent behind women elsewhere in Australia and they are earning around $230 per week less than men here in WA.

“The implications of each recommendation will be considered before an implementation plan is developed, and public comment is welcome.”

The report found that women employed full time in WA earned on average 22.6 per cent less than their male counterparts, whereas the corresponding national average gender gap was 15.2 per cent.