Progress on pay inequity

THE new minister for women has indicated she is open to more reforms to reduce Australia’s gender pay gap after Iceland became the first country to penalise companies that pay men more than women.

Meanwhile, Telstra and global IT business ThoughtWorks – employers who have been praised for their gender equality practices in Australia – have called on more companies to lift their game so further government intervention won’t be unnecessary.

Iceland’s move to shrink its 5.7 per cent pay gap came into effect on January 1.

Companies with more than 25 staff will be required to report their equal pay policies to obtain a certification.

Minister for Women Kelly O’Dwyer said the Australian government had already taken steps to address the gender pay gap.