The NSW premier and female colleagues of Lisa Wilkinson have praised the TV presenter as a role model for young women , reportedly over an equal pay dispute.
Wilkinson announced on Monday she would leave the breakfast program after a decade because the Nine Network was “unable to meet her expectations” on a contract renewal.
Within an hour, the presenter then announced she’d secured a hosting role with Network Ten.
Unverified reports claim Wilkinson had sought the same pay rate as her co-host Karl Stefanovic. The Daily Telegraph claimed Nine was offering her $200,000 less than Stefanovic’s $2 million salary.
Wilkinson has not addressed the claims.
Today Show news presenter Sylvia Jeffreys said she’d be cheering Wilkinson on in her new job with the rival network.
“Seeing is believing for young girls and for young women and what they see in Lisa is a strong, influential, fun and compassionate woman at the very, very top of her game,” Jeffreys said in an on-air tribute on Tuesday's program.
“That is a very powerful thing."
Opposition Leader Bill Shorten praised Ms Wilkinson for her decision.
"Too many Australian women are worker denied opportunities for leadership roles because of their gender, patronized and passed over for promotes in favour of lesser qualified men," he told parliament.
"I simply say to Lisa, good on you. Good on you for following your principals. There are millions of Australian women who would of taken a small measure of comfort form your actions."
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian also applauded Wilkinson: "If the reason is about equal pay, I say good on her," she said.
"I think she's sending a very strong message to the community."
Stefanovic said he was shocked by his former co-host’s decision.
“It will take time to sink in,” he said, thanking her for the years spent on the show.
“Whatever you do and wherever you go you, do so having made your mark on this show and on this man.”
Today Show weather presenter Natalia Cooper also offered her congratulations.
'You go girl'
Wilkinson’s decision has sparked a debate about workplace gender pay gaps, with fellow female journalists applauding her stance.
Wilkinson’s daughter Billi FitzSimons posted a tribute on Instagram to her mum, thanking her for “paving the way for the next generation”.
“You are a leader and an inspiration for so many tonight. I can’t wait to see you at the breakfast table tomorrow morning,” she said.
'Gender not the issue'
Disagreeing with the sentiment on Twitter, 3AW radio presenter Neil Mitchell said the issue wasn’t about making a stand for feminism.
“It’s being interpreted as a stand for equal pay - I find that very hard to believe," he said.
“I don’t think gender matters all that much in the television world, only two things matter – the two Rs – ratings and revenue.”
