The Differential

Good morning AusCorp. The last month has given us plenty to talk about with disappointing gender pay data, sporting kick-offs and a law firm in shambles.

If you committed to a personal quarterly review you better get cracking on those goals as you're less than two weeks away!

Every morning at 8AM, we’ll send you an email with everything you need to know across Australian business, global and company news in a 2-minute read.

💡 Brain’s Trust

1. BCC

We are sure most people would quite like to know what the person beside you earns. It could also be nice to know about your manager, your manager’s manager and that person who wears the really nice suit and watch.

Well if you worked at Slater and Gordon, one of Australia’s most well-known plaintiff law firms, you would have received a leaked email with alleged salary and performance data for over 900 employees. On top of that, some scathing criticisms of leadership and ownership. If you’ve had a substandard start to the year, you can at least be thankful that you aren’t a member of the Slater and Gordon management team.

The email, purportedly from outgoing acting Chief People Officer Mari Ruiz-Matthyssen - but later confirmed to be a forgery - landed in staff inboxes on February 21, causing widespread outrage and internal turmoil. The firm has since referred the matter to Victoria Police through the Australian Cyber Security Centre, while launching its own forensic investigation. A preliminary analysis suggests a “lone wolf attack” by a convicted fraudster whose first name matches metadata attached to the spreadsheet in the rogue email…

Even though this email appears deliberate, it’s a nice reminder to not be ‘that guy’ who accidentally hits reply all on an employee roast.

2. The Gap

Australia’s gender pay gap remains a stubborn reality. While progress is being made, with the national median pay gap narrowing slightly to 18.3%, the average gap stands at a troubling 21.8%. That’s the equivalent of males taking Friday off and heading to the beach while females keep the lights on and stay at work.

As we know, it’s not a straightforward problem to solve. The issue goes beyond base salaries. Performance bonuses, superannuation and overtime payments disproportionately favour men while industry dynamics also play a part.

More companies are taking proactive steps, with 56% reducing their gender pay gap over the past year. However that means 44% have made no progress or gone backwards. A measly total of 5.3% of employers are achieving a pay gap within the target range of ±5%. Given the term ‘Diversity & Inclusion’ has been temporarily parked in the ‘backlog’ queue in Jira, there doesn’t appear to be a resolution any time soon.

Effect of Children on Men and Women’s Predicted Earnings

3. Sports Catalogue

The winter sporting calendar has arrived, with NRL, AFL and Formula 1 all kicking off in recent weeks.

Formula 1 started on the weekend, with Drive to Survive fans flocking to Melbourne to get an Instagram photo with a Ferrari hat on while trackside. What used to be an event for hardcore motorsport fans is now on par with the Australian Open in terms of popularity, entertainment and social media uploads. McLaren’s Lando Norris secured a commanding victory, showing great signs for the year ahead, while his teammate (and Australian), Oscar Piastri, finished 9th despite spinning out in wet conditions. You can expect Oscar to take a few wins this year - he is a genuine world championship contender.

The 2025 NRL season commenced on 2 March with a double-header in Las Vegas. Donald Trump didn’t show up, and unfortunately for Warriors fans, neither did their team, with the Raiders beating them comprehensively. The Panthers and Sharks both proved their title credentials, with a higher-quality game ending 28-22 to the Panthers. The Vegas experiment could be deemed another success and will no doubt continue into 2026.

The AFL's 2025 season kicked off on 6 March with an 'Opening Round' across Queensland and New South Wales. Reigning premiers Brisbane Lions hosted Geelong at the Gabba, raising their premiership flag. Melbourne Demons made a bold move by introducing six new players in their opener against GWS. Additionally, several debutants, such as Fremantle's Murphy Reid and Brisbane's Levi Ashcroft, delivered impressive performances, signalling a promising influx of young talent.

 🗞️ Workplace Watch

1. Australia's gender pay gap has reached 22% across industries including media, supermarkets and banks according to the latest report. LINK

2. Major companies including McDonald's, Google, Amazon, Canva, Atlassian and Meta have reduced diversity initiatives. LINK

3. 39% of businesses have mandated 5 days a week in the office in 2025, a 3% jump from the previous year. LINK

4. Businesses are struggling to demonstrate clear returns on AI investments whilst quantifying productivity gains. LINK

5. The Opposition Leader has changed his stance on public servant office attendance requirements. LINK

 🗞️ On Your Minds

🇦🇺 TOP AUSTRALIAN NEWS RECAP

1. Australia to ban foreigners from buying established homes for the next 2 years as housing costs soar. LINK

2. Construction will commence on Sydney's Barangaroo foreshore after 10 years of delays with plans for residential, retail and hospitality spaces. LINK

3. Australian employer superannuation contributions will increase to 12% from 11.5% amidst transfer balance caps rising to $2M from 1 July 2025. LINK

4. Australian comfortable retirement savings target has halved from cost-of-living crisis and high debt. LINK

5. The total cost of private schooling in Sydney has reached $411,108 over 13 years, sitting 17% above the national average according to the Cost of Education Index. LINK

6. Major Australian banks require manual requests for lower mortgage repayments despite the RBA rate cut. LINK

🌏 THE ODD PICKS

1. Warren Buffett provided 6 best pieces of money advice for the middle class. LINK

2. Shark bites off tourist’s hands after she tried to take a selfie. LINK

3. Lollipop lady’s wage for 1.5 hours of work a day. LINK

4. The 6 finalists to be named Chief Snuggle Officer. LINK

5. The world’s best airline awards in 2025. LINK

💻 Made in Australia - showcasing Aussie start-ups

If you like puppies or yoga (or you want to impress someone in your life who likes puppies), this is for you.

Doga Sydney now has 'puppy yoga', which looks about as productive as it sounds. Here are some videos and a sign up for you. A corporate booking would certainly liven up the dreaded upcoming offsite.

You can technically count it as exercise but we have a feeling your slightly stricter Apple watch will not.

Ready to roll out your mat? Book your session today!

If you know (or are creating) a great Aussie product, we'd love to hear from you!

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