The adage “never look a gift horse in the mouth” urges us to accept gifts graciously without questioning their true intentions. However, what happens when a seemingly beneficial proposition hides a darker reality? What if the gift horse is a Trojan one?
In a world that claims progress and equality, the scales of balance remain precariously tipped. While the government presents changes such as higher superannuation payments and increased childcare subsidies as gifts promising progress and prosperity for Australians, for admin professionals, these offerings are proving to be nothing more than a Trojan horse.
The glaring reality is that wages for admin professionals have not significantly increased, leaving them to bear the brunt of financial strain. In a workforce where 83% of workers are women, the gender pay gap also deepens the imbalance and undermines the promises made.
The government’s seemingly generous gestures mask the underlying truth: admin professionals, predominantly women, are left behind, trapped in a cycle of undervaluation and economic insecurity, and I’m here to tell you, we are not ok.
Admin professionals, the backbone of countless organisations, have long been underappreciated for their tireless work. Despite our pivotal roles in driving productivity within the businesses we support, we now find ourselves caught in the crossfire of financial challenges.
Rising living costs and childcare fees bear down upon us, further exacerbated by the grim reality of subpar wages that fail to reflect the significance of our contributions both as professionals forging our careers and comparative to our male counterparts.
According to the latest ABS data, a female full-time employee’s average weekly salary in Australia is $1,857.50 (public sector) and $1,573.00 (private sector). For the administrative profession, our reality is an average weekly salary of $1691.10 for males, $1569.70 for people and $1377.80 for females.
For an industry that is predominantly female (something else we need to change), these salary levels leave us to navigate a treacherous landscape where financial insecurity and undervaluation threaten our livelihoods.
However, the financial aspects are just one piece of the puzzle. The emotional toll of being undervalued is equally significant. We see our male counterparts receiving better salaries, professional development opportunities, and a seat at the table when it comes to broader company goals. Meanwhile, we are left feeling invisible, disregarded, and excluded. This ongoing undervaluation takes a toll on our mental health, eroding our self-worth and sense of belonging in the workplace.
Adding further salt to our wounds are the recent superannuation increases. While the government touts these enhancements as a positive step towards retirement security, it remains a deceptive gesture for many admin professionals. Many of us are on salary packages that already include superannuation. Instead of increasing our overall compensation, companies slyly adjust the superannuation component within our packages, reducing our actual take-home salaries.
This sleight of hand allows companies to appear compliant with the increased superannuation requirements while undermining the financial well-being of admin professionals (and we suspect we aren’t the only ones affected). It highlights the urgent need for transparency, fair remuneration practices, and true progress towards closing the gender pay gap.
Another Trojan gift horse emerges in the recent childcare subsidy changes, which were meant to offer some relief. Yes, the subsidies have increased, but what good is that when childcare centres seize the opportunity to raise their daily rates? The supposed reasoning behind this is the low rates of employment in the childcare sector, which prevent centres from increasing their child-to-carer ratios and necessitate raising costs to meet wage increases. However, this raises a pressing question: How much of these fee increases actually make it into the pockets of childcare employees?
An ACCC analysis has confirmed that childcare fees have risen faster than inflation and wage growth over the last four years. Approximately two in five family services and one in five centre bases services charge above the cap. This number has doubled since a 2018 report. And while we wait to see what action will be taken from the ACCC’s final report when it is delivered to the Treasurer in December this year, we, the admin professionals and working parents who already face underpayment, must bear the brunt of increased childcare fees, while our salaries remain stagnant.
When we are already struggling to make ends meet, we must now endure additional financial strain…it feels as though we are standing on the precipice.
There is an urgent need for equitable compensation and a fair distribution of financial relief. Investing in affordable and quality childcare options, ensuring that the subsidies truly benefit working families….working women….would bring us back from the brink.
The time for change is now.
Though officials claim to champion women’s rights, the reality reveals a stark disconnect. Policies and legislative changes fall short of addressing the pressing issue of below-average wages for our profession and gender, perpetuating a systemic imbalance that hampers our upward mobility.
The next time a gift horse comes our way, you can damned be sure we’ll be looking it in the mouth. We refuse to be subverted by empty promises and backhanded compliments. We demand solutions that empower us, uplift us and help create a future where our worth is recognised and celebrated.
We believe in a future that nurtures the immense potential in every person within the administrative profession, where our contributions are valued and our voices are heard. Our commitment extends to promoting equal opportunities for all administrative professionals, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.
We are dedicated to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute their unique perspectives and talents to their fullest potential. With unwavering determination, we will continue to drive positive change, fostering greater understanding and acceptance for all individuals.
What a gift that would be.
Authored by Marika Garton, Australian Assembly of Administrators
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