The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) is making steady progress toward closing its gender pay gap, after identifying in 2018 that women at the agency earned, on average, 9.4 per cent less than men.
The finding prompted the ACCC to launch a long-term, whole-of-organisation response aimed at tackling not only pay differences, but also the structural and cultural factors that influence career progression, representation, and opportunity across the workforce.
Under their WGEA Employer Statement, the agency has reviewed historical pay equity, strengthened recruitment and leadership pathways, embedded inclusive workplace behaviours and advocated for more contemporary employment conditions, including gender-neutral parental leave.
Alongside delivery of this strategy, the ACCC embedded a stronger focus on gender equity across the agency’s operations.
This included:
- Establishing a Gender Employee Network to provide a forum for employees committed to driving positive change on gender-related issues
- Consulting with employees on gender pay gap issues through their Gen2 Network and Employee Council consultative forum.
- Sustaining equal remuneration through regular pay gap analysis and monitoring remuneration review processes, including commencement, annual increments and performance assessments, to guard against bias.
- Ensuring flexible work and family-related employment conditions are accessible to all employees, regardless of gender.
- Prioritising action to protect employees from sexual harassment, sex-based harassment and discrimination.
The ACCC says the work is delivering broader benefits by improving transparency, supporting retention, broadening access to talent and strengthening organisational performance. With further reductions made to its gender pay gap in 2025, the ACCC aims to close it fully in 2026, highlighting how sustained, data-led action can drive lasting progress on gender pay equity.
About the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC)
The ACCC is an independent Commonwealth statutory authority responsible for promoting competition, fair trading and the effective regulation of national infrastructure markets for the benefit of all Australians.
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Find information about key definitions and the state of play for gender diversity in Australia, the business case for gender diversity and inclusion, leading practices for creating gender diverse and inclusive workplaces, case studies, and additional resources on gender equity.