Comment: ANZ takes first bite out of super-sized problem

ANZ's latest effort to measure and then close the gender gap at retirement differs from the vast majority of similar surveys and reports sponsored by various interest groups and industry players. Here, ANZ has not just identified a major problem, it's started working on a solution.
 
And it's a clever move, highlighting the disadvantage, and showing how it can be at least in part overcome at a fraction of the cost of paying an across-the-board pay rise of about A$5000, give or take the super guarantee payment.
 
ANZ's move, therefore, is definitely a step in the right direction - if a tolerable retirement is what all workers live and work for.
 
Whether a payment of $500 into a female employee's superannuation account is sexy enough to be seen as enough of a point of difference for other employers to catch on will be the acid test, and it may be several years before it bears fruit - or withers away.
 
In this regard, it's also instructive that this otherwise comprehensive and balanced report doesn't feature any male commentators - not one - starting with the foreword by Senator Michaelia Cash, the Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Women, rather than the Minister for Women himself (that's Tony Abbott, for those who might be wondering).
 
And, with the notable exception of large actuarial firm Rice Warner, there has been a surprising lack of interest among other banks to come up with anything that matches ANZ's bold move.
 
Or have they? If so, it's been a well-kept secret.