Rockin' the gender equality revolution with CHOICE
Employer's Affirmation for WGEA in 2025 Report
Embrace equal opportunities and a vibrant, diverse environment with CHOICE, Australia's leading consumer advocacy group. We champion a multifaceted culture that celebrates individuality and empowers our team members to thrive. We fervently believe in fostering mutual respect and providing fair access to resources for all.
As the brainchild of a resilient female consumer advocate six decades ago, CHOICE is proud of its ongoing journey towards gender equality, shaped by our steadfast commitment and values.
Why unleash the power of equal audits at CHOICE?
As a sprawling powerhouse of over 100 employees, CHOICE is obligated to disclose our progress to the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) annually. This data is instrumental in assessing our position on the national scale, identifying improvement areas, and bolstering our mission for gender equality within our organization.
The cold, hard gender pay gap facts
The latest WGEA gender equality reporting highlights the glaring gender imbalances prevalent in today's workspaces. In 2024, WGEA reported a staggering 21.8% gender pay gap for total remuneration.
Compared to the nation's disappointing figure, CHOICE secured a lower total remuneration gender pay gap of 12.2% during the 2024-25 reporting period. With a median of 2.4%, our figures suggest that female and male employees are earning closer wages, laying the foundation for a fairer future.
It's essential to note that CHOICE's overall average gender pay gap has increased slightly due to disparities at various pay levels, potentially stemming from a higher concentration of male employees in CEO/Executive positions. Nonetheless, the median gender pay gap has dwindled, signifying a promising step towards equality.
WGEA calculates the national gender pay gap based on Australia Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Survey of Average Weekly Earnings, generated from a sample of employers selected from the Australian Business Register, with a slightly different sample each time.
Leveling the gender pay gap playing field
Our workforce composition for the 2024-25 reporting period reflects a shift, with 52% female and 48% male employees. In the past, our team composition was balanced with an equal distribution of 50% females and 50% males.
Unveiling the drivers of the gender pay gap
Our 2024-25 workforce composition indicates a slight disparity in the representation of females in management roles, while boasting a higher presence in non-management roles (53% females and 42% males). Compared to the previous year's WGEA reporting, females exhibited lower representation in both management and non-management roles.
Girding the loins of our governing body
The CHOICE Board boasts:
- Female - 63%
- Male - 38%
These findings underscore CHOICE's persistent endeavors to shrink the gender pay gap across our organization. Our recruitment and retention strategies remain steadfast in fostering equal opportunities for all genders throughout the employment lifecycle.
CHOICE remains resolute in nurturing policies and strategies aimed at offering equal opportunities and perks to both genders, such as flexible work practices, generous leave entitlements, comprehensive training, and career advancement assistance.
Playing offense with our initiatives
Beyond meeting WGEA recommendations for gender equality, flexible work, and parental leave, CHOICE also develops strategies and policies to tackle sex-based harassment, domestic and family violence, and discrimination. We offer a support system for affected staff and their managers, fostering a safe and inclusive environment.
With pride in our results and unwavering commitment to progress, CHOICE will continue to enact initiatives, exercise continuous policy and strategy review, and persist in our mission to erase the gender pay gap and forge a more equitable future for all.
Currently, we're exploring avenues to augment gender equality through a comprehensive review of internal policies, strategies, recruitment tactics, remuneration framework, and ongoing analysis of gender pay gaps across our organization.
We've got your back, and then some
For over six decades, CHOICE has been a beacon of change for Australian consumers. Renouncing ads and sponsorship, we fuel our mission through memberships propelled by the value of expert reviews and independent product testing.
Devoid of self-interest, we empower you to make wise decisions, ensuring you have the knowledge required for your—and your family's—safety. In times of trouble, you can depend on us, standing by your side and combating any injustice thrown your way.
To elevate your journey with us, dive deeper into our offerings by exploring CHOICE membership today.
Paint the town red: join the conversation
Share your thoughts or post questions on the CHOICE Community forum, where you can connect, discuss, and learn alongside fellow advocates.
The pulse of CHOICE
To keep your fingers on the pulse of CHOICE, we employ data-driven strategies, active consultation, and employee surveys beyond mandatory WGEA audits. These practices help us monitor attitudes, gauge progress, and refine our initiatives to tackle gender issues, disparities, and create a more inclusive, equitable workplace culture. Our methods align with cutting-edge gender equity management principles that focus on employee engagement, data-driven strategies, and participatory practices, driving meaningful change and ensuring we stand at the vanguard of social progress.
- By joining CHOICE today, you can become a part of a personal-finance community that actively strives for gender equality and equal access to resources in the business world.
- As CHOICE continues to progress, it plans to address perceived pay gaps by conducting a comprehensive review of internal policies, recruitment tactics, remuneration framework, and ongoing analysis of gender pay disparities within the organization, demonstrating a commitment to finance and personal-finance equity.
