A new study by Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA) has revealed that First Nations women have the largest gender pay gap in Australia, with First Nations women earning 65 cents for every dollar earned by Australian men.
Published on August 7, "New perspectives on old problems" is the first of three papers in JSA's Gender Economic Equality Study. It found that regardless of the pay gap measure or benchmark used, First Nations women have the highest gender pay gaps in Australia.
Measured over 10 years, the First Nations female gender pay gap was 38.1 per cent - more than 7 per cent higher than for females generally, and culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) females. This means 65 cents earned by First Nations women equalled every dollar earned by Australian men.
The report explained that this statistic was born from the intersection of gendered and racial discrimination, which combine to create significant barriers to economic equality.
"Intersectional insights show nuanced policy actions are needed to address significant sources of compounding gendered and racial discrimination in the world of work, education and training—particularly for First Nations females in this country," reads the report.
Professor Nareen Young is the Director of the University of Technology Sydney's Centre for Indigenous People and Work, who collaborated with JSA on the study. Reflecting on the results, she reinforced the importance of data-driven action.
"These results show exactly why JSA's research is so vital. We have long called for intersectional pay gap data like this to be collected and monitored because metrics matter as 'what gets measured gets done'," she said.
"We will not close the gap until we have overcome the gendered pay gap for First Nations women."
She states that the concentration of First Nations women in female-dominated fields further perpetuates the pay gap.
"JSA's research found that just over half (53%) of First Nations workers were in moderately, highly or almost completely female-dominated occupations, compared to just under a third (31%) of the total workforce," Professor Young said.
"And we know that female-dominated occupations often pay less than male-dominated occupations," she continued.
Professor Young believes the pay gap has a trickle-down effect on First Nations' social and economic well-being, significantly impacting their economic independence and self-determination.
"The pay gap is a productivity issue for all women and families, but for First Nations women it's a 'closing the gap' issue as well," she said.
"It impacts on the ability of First Nations women to access decent housing, provide for their children's education and give their families the best start in life."
Professor Young said that the issue is rooted in the historic mistreatment of First Nations women.
"The forced labour, stolen wages and indentured work for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women in Australia's recent history is linked to their culturally specific skills in Aboriginal communities being undervalued when it comes to wages," she explained.
Despite this, progress has been made by First Nations women.
"Increasingly, our women are breaking through the glass ceilings into commercial leadership, working in non-traditional roles or starting their own businesses," said Professor Young.
"Unless there is continued momentum from governments and employers, these women will remain exceptions rather than the rule."