Publishing of gender pay gap in companies a ‘great first step’

Former Labor senator Stephen Conroy says the publishing for the first time of the gender pay gap from almost 5,000 companies is a “great first step” to addressing the issue.

He said it puts “front and centre” the debate around whether or not Australia has “equal opportunity for women to be remunerated in the same way men have been”.

Mr Conroy said he believes the publishing of the gender pay gap in companies is a “good thing”.

“It’s not prescriptive, it just shines a light, and it’s not surprising to see some people scurrying away from the light.

“It’s welcome by the majority of people out there.”