The Greens are proposing a radical idea to close the gender pay gap - pay women more.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
The minor party on Monday will release its policy to address women's economic security, focusing on closing the "stubbornly wide" pay gap between the average salaries of men and women in the workforce.
It follows Labor's commitment on Sunday to establish an expert panel tasked with looking at pay equity and structural barriers for women.
The Workplace Gender Equality Agency have said women on average were taking home $255.30 less than their male counterparts per week.
The Greens argue the issue could be solved by increasing wages in women-dominated industries, including nursing, education and childcare, while also committing employers to pay superannuation entitlements during paid parental leave.
It will also influence the major parties, if it holds the balance of power, to develop and adopt a detailed national gender strategy, and a $16 billion plan to make childcare universally free.
MORE FEDERAL ELECTION NEWS:
Deputy leader Senator Larissa Waters said the pay gap was a product of systemic and cultural factors but wasn't going to naturally close itself.
"Women have been fighting for pay equality for decades but the gulf remains," she said.
"WGEA says that on current trends Australian women are still 26 years away from pay parity. We can't wait that long."
Public and community housing would also receive an investment, allowing women and families access to affordable and safe housing while a micro-financing facility would be created to offer women-led businesses low and no interest loans.
To pay for the proposals, the Greens would introduce a tax on billionaires.
Major corporations would need to pay a corporate super-profits tax while handouts to coal, oil and gas giants would be screeched to a halt.
"Women have had enough of a government that talks about fiscal responsibility when it comes to wages and women's economic needs, but whips out its cheque book the moment one of its coal or gas donors comes knocking with their hand out," Senator Waters said.
"The gender pay gap will not close without decisive, targeted action. In balance of power after the election the Greens will push the next government to deliver the pay equality and economic security that all women deserve."
The Greens currently have nine senators and one MP but are confident they'll win a few more in the May 21 poll.
