The Victorian government has published a series of educational resources aimed at boosting gender pay gap awareness among small and medium-sized businesses in the state.
Tim Pallas, minister for industrial relations, unveiled the materials that were developed by the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission, backed by government funding to support businesses in their understanding of equal pay.
The resources were co-developed with business leaders and industry experts and will be distributed widely. They include three videos with interactive and three e-learning modules designed to cater to the characteristics and needs of small and medium-sized businesses.
SMEs employ two in three workers in Victoria, covering a significant portion of the state’s workforce and economy. These businesses have the power to create enormous change when it comes to achieving equal pay, the state of Victoria said in a statement.
Research from the Workplace Gender Equality Agency showed that the national gender pay gap continues to widen, with the rate now sitting at 14.1 per cent— a 0.3 per cent increase over the past six months. According to the agency’s data, men on average earn $263.90 a week more than women.
“On average, women must work 60 days more to earn the same salary as a man – which is disgraceful,” Pallas said.
“By supporting small and medium-sized businesses with information and resources, it will help to reduce the gender pay gap and boost fairness across the economy.”
The state of Victoria recently allocated $1 million as part of the Victorian Budget 2022 to 2023 to promote gender equity workplace initiatives and the functions of the Equal Workplaces Advisory Council.
“Equal pay is a human right but it’s also good for business and our resources will help businesses take realistic and achievable steps to advance equal pay in their workplaces,” said Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commissioner Ro Allen.
