Australia has achieved its highest position to date in the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report, climbing to eighth place among 148 nations. The 2026 findings represent a substantial improvement for the country, which has moved up 35 spots from its previous ranking of 43rd since the Albanese government assumed office.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese highlighted the progress, though he emphasized that significant work remains. He outlined continued government priorities, including raising wages, eradicating gender-based violence, boosting female workplace representation, and enhancing investments in women’s health and leadership opportunities.
“The job is not done and we will continue to focus our efforts on lifting wages, ending gender-based violence, increasing female representation in workplaces, investing in women’s health and more,” Albanese stated. He added that while the report indicates Australia is moving in the right direction, the administration remains committed to valuing care roles and strengthening economic empowerment for women.
In separate developments regarding economic policy, the Labor government signaled its intention to introduce new immigration rules. Acknowledging the need to address population pressures, officials stressed the importance of reducing net overseas migration through a targeted and sensible approach designed to facilitate smoother integration into the Australian economy.
Interesting that they announce this ranking right before tightening migration rules. Do they connect the two?
Eighth place? We still have way more work to do on pay equity and care roles.
Wow, jumping 35 spots is massive. I guess the new policies are actually working for once.