According to the SEEK Watercooler Index, a new fortnightly poll that tracks the attitudes of Australians on various workplace issues, more than 60% of Australians believe equal opportunities do not exist for women in the workplace.

The finding from the SEEK Watercooler Index, follows a Bureau of Statistics report that showed male wages have risen by 6.4 percent, compared with only a 5% increase for women. The average gender pay gap between the full-time wage of men and women, now stands at $11,913 a year.

Responses to the online poll included comments on everything from the gender pay gap, to examples of discrimination in the interview process. While most comments supported the view that women are denied the same opportunities as men, some comments provided examples of women being treated more favouraby than men.

Sam commented: “I find that most companies will look at women candidate more favourably than a male candidate.” While Adrian suggested that in some professions, such as accounting, women are paid more on average.

But perhaps the most troubling comment of all was submitted by Hana, who wrote: “there is equal opportunities and no discrimination, it’s called ‘personal worth’ and how you present yourself, take a look in the mirror and find out.”

More information about wage parity between men and women in different professions, can be found online at paycheck.seek.com.au