From 1 April to 31 May, the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) reporting season is in full swing. This annual lodgement period is not just a compliance milestone—it’s a chance to take stock of where your agency stands on gender equity, and what steps you can take next.
The annual release of employer gender pay gap data continues to be a powerful driver of change, and Advertising Council Australia fully supports WGEA’s reporting reforms as an essential step toward achieving pay parity in our industry.
As WGEA notes, progress is happening. It’s not flashy—and it’s not fast—but deliberate action by employers is beginning to shift the structural barriers that have long stood in the way of equity.
Progress takes time—but it’s happening
Agencies across our industry are at different stages of this journey. Many ACA members now report their salary gaps and, importantly, have embedded strategies to close them. We congratulate those making meaningful progress and encourage others to dig into their data.
Understanding the drivers of any gaps is the first step toward solving them. There’s no quick fix—but without sustained action and accountability, nothing changes.
Practical help is available
Whether you’re just starting out or building on an existing plan, WGEA offers a range of free support tools:
- Action planning tool: Turn your report into a roadmap. This new tool helps employers identify practical, tailored actions to improve gender equity outcomes.
- Free masterclass – Expanding Diversity Through Part-Time (20 May): Learn how to create career-developing part-time roles and unlock flexible pathways into leadership. A must for agencies looking to address a key contributor to the gender pay gap. Book here.
- Capacity building advisory service: Book a free, 30-minute consultation with a gender equality expert for targeted advice. These sessions are designed to help employers understand their specific challenges and design evidence-based responses.
ACA’s commitment
ACA remains committed to helping members build fairer, more inclusive workplaces through initiatives like Create Space, which supports the advancement and retention of female-identifying talent. It also provides practical tools to help businesses foster environments where female-identifying talent can thrive at every career stage.