Laing O’Rourke reports on Australian Gender Pay Gap

Laing O’Rourke Australia has released its latest Gender Pay Gap analysis, in line with the requirements of the Workplace Gender Equality Act. The reporting reinforces the organisation’s commitment to transparency and to accelerating meaningful change across the construction sector.

Mark Dimmock, Managing Director – Australia, said that understanding and addressing the Gender Pay Gap is essential to building a more inclusive and future-fit industry.

“We welcome WGEA’s public reporting of Gender Pay Gap data because it provides the most accurate and holistic view of pay equity within an organisation. Increased visibility is the tool our industry needs to deepen the conversation around the gender imbalances that persist across Australian workplaces,” Mark said.

“There is a clear and well‑established link between gender diversity and stronger business performance. That’s why attracting, retaining and developing talented women is fundamental to our ambition to drive long-overdue transformation within the construction sector. Achieving gender parity across our staff by 2033 is a core priority embedded in our Global Sustainability Strategy.”

Laing O’Rourke’s Gender Pay Gap in Australia at the time of reporting (31 March 2025) was 22.7%, (average total remuneration gap), which is 5.7% lower than the industry comparison group (Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction) who have an average of 28.4%. It also represents a small reduction of our previous years’ Gender Pay Gap (of 23%).

The gender pay gap represents the difference between the average earnings of all women and men across our organisation. It is not a measure of equal pay. Equal pay refers to men and women being paid the same for performing the same or comparable work, and Laing O’Rourke meets all legal obligations in this regard.

Our gender pay gap is primarily driven by the underrepresentation of women in senior and leadership positions. While women make up 16% of our upper pay quartile—more than double the industry benchmark of 7%—women represent 54% of our lower pay quartile. This distribution reflects the structural challenge we are working to address through targeted initiatives to support career progression, increase female representation in leadership, and build a more gender-balanced workforce across all roles.

At the time of reporting (31 March 2025), Laing O’Rourke Australia employed 2787 people, with women representing 30% of overall employees. This compares favourably to our industry comparison group (Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction), who have an average composition of women of 21%. 

Click the link for further information published on the WGEA website: https://www.wgea.gov.au/.  

For the statement published in February 2026, visit Diversity and Inclusion | Laing O’Rourke.