Australia Is Lagging Behind In The Gender Pay Gap, Women's Safety And Incarceration Rates

Australia is performing poorly in a number of key social issues compared to other OECD countries, a report by the Community Council for Australia has found.

The ABC reports the key issues revealed in the council report include: women's safety, income equality and imprisonment rates.

More than half of Australian women involved in the survey said they didn't feel safe walking home alone at night, with the figure falling far short of the OECD average of 60.6 per cent.

On the flip side: 80 per cent of Australian men said they felt safe walking alone at night.

Tim Costello, chair of the Community Council for Australia, said the stark comparison indicates we need to talk about the relationship between men and women.

"We men actually have to have a conversation about why our wives and partners and daughters are actually feeling that," he said.

The figures have come at a good time, given there will be a Reclaim the Night rally this Friday in Sydney, Hyde Park.

To men who whistle, shout and heckle - it doesn't make women more attracted to you, it makes us fearful of our safety #reclaimthenight

— srhbxtr (@srhbxtr) October 21, 2016

In regards to the gender pay gap, women were found to be paid 17.3 per cent less than their male counterparts. Costello said it's important for all Australians to value gender equality, and that goes for pay and safety.

Australia's incarceration rates are rising by a solid 6 per cent a year, inclusive of both men and women. It's a particular concern in the Northern Territory where imprisonment is four times higher than the national average, and even higher than the United States.

Australians are selfish, inward looking & ungenerous according to a new report on Australian values from @ComCouncil @TimCostello #AusWeWant

— ABC Radio Melbourne (@774melbourne) October 26, 2016

The report also found that Australians were volunteering less and spending less money to aid overseas organisations.

We haven't done poorly on every aspect though. Apparently, Australia is well above average compared to other OECD countries in equality and access to employment, educational levels, and business confidence.

Gold star for trying, I guess.

Photo: iStock