How to Discuss Salary Discrepancy with ... Forum Community

So I'm very disgruntled at work right now - long story short, we hired a new person in our team slightly junior to me and I found out they're getting paid around ~5k more. I know it's not that much more at the end of the day but wtf. How do I bring it up with my manager? I can't not say anything. Discussing salary is banned at my company so I'm not sure how to initially mention it. Tips? Advice?

Salary advice

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Ann · 5 Dec 2025

Registered Nurse

Reason it’s banned is for exactly this situation. List your achievements for your employer. Be pleasant, assertive and give it a try. Nothing ventured nothing gained.

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Nicole · 1 Nov 2025

Head of People and Culture

You shouldn't bring it up with your manager. People will negotiate at offer stage, and it sounds like the newbie did a good job of it. I know it sucks because you feel devalued. It's best to try and not take it personally. However, all is not lost. If you want to be paid more, you need to demonstrate why you should get a pay increase. Think future state. What will you bring to the business that no one else can (experience is not a valid reason). Assuming no recent pay increase.

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SEEK Admin · 28 Oct 2025

Can feel like a bit of a tough spot if they're not happy about salary talks, but you know the details anyway. We've got some guides and articles on how to approach pay rise talks. If you haven't had one for awhile, could be the best way to go about things: https://www.seek.com.au/career-advice/article/want-a-pay-rise-say-this In general though, it's been unlawful to ban those conversations for a few years now: https://www.fairwork.gov.au/pay-and-wages/pay-secrecy

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