Workplace Gender Equality Agency Employer Statement 2023-24

We’re deeply committed to promoting gender equality and are continually working to reduce our gender pay gap. 

Since last year, we’ve reduced our gender pay gap from 3.1 percent to 1.8 percent in median total remuneration. Our pay gap in median base salary is 3 percent. This WGEA data shows our gender pay gap is lower than the higher education sector average of 4.6 percent in median total remuneration and 5.6 percent in median base salary. 

We recognise there is more to do and are determined that every staff member be valued for the contribution they make to our collective success. We put equality, diversity and inclusion at the heart of all our work, with initiatives in place to ensure equitable pay and promotion practices, inclusive leadership, career support and flexible working arrangements. 

• Leadership programs: Programs such as the Sydney Women's Leadership Program and the Vice-Chancellor’s Sponsorship Program for culturally diverse women aim to increase representation of women at all levels.
• Deputy Vice-Chancellor Community and Leadership: Professor Lucy Marshall has been appointed as our inaugural Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Community and Leadership). This new role has been established to provide strategic direction on University culture, leadership, and diversity, equity and inclusion agendas. 
• Research: The Gender Equality in Working Life Research Initiative, led by Professors Rae Cooper and Elizabeth Hill, is at the forefront of research into equal pay and the gender pay gap.
• SAGE program: We promote equality, diversity and inclusion across all schools, faculties and professional service units through the Athena Swan Science in Australia Gender Equity program (SAGE), which assesses gender and intersectional equity policies and helps develop ways to promote and retain staff and students from typically marginalised groups. The University received a SAGE Athena SWAN Bronze Award in 2019, and five SAGE Cygnet Awards last year, demonstrating progress and impact from our Bronze Action Plan. We're now progressing towards the SAGE Silver award. 
• RISE: Last year we joined the RISE Project, an initiative to break down workplace barriers and build pathways to leadership for culturally and racially marginalised women across Australia. Under this project – a collaboration between organisations including the Diversity Council Australia – we'll undertake an audit that will inform an action plan to address the dual barriers of racism and sexism. The initiative will also provide tailored career support for 20 participating women. 

As one of the first universities in the world to admit women on equal terms with men in 1881, we’re proud of our history of leadership in this area – and determined to build on our legacy. We will continue this essential work to achieve long-term change at the University and throughout our society.