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.
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.
Nine Network boss Hugh Marks says Lisa Wilkinson walked after the broadcaster refused to pay her more than her male colleague Karl Stefanovic.
Wilkinson, who was paid $1.1 million, was offered an increase to $1.8 million but declined, news outlets reported.
Nine CEO Hugh Marks confirmed the $1.8 million figure to News Corp Australia, but said the presenter had originally asked for $2.3 million, which was rejected because of her other commercial commitments.
Stefanovic's role with Nine also entails hosting and contributing jobs with other programs, including 60 Minutes.
The news of Wilkinson's departure has kick-started a furious debate about the pay gap between men and women.
Media commentators, celebrities and fans took to social media to congratulate Wilkinson on her decision and decry Nine's alleged reluctance to meet her demands.
Journalist Alana Schetzer, in an opinion piece for the ABC, said it would be a costly public relations disaster for Nine.
Meanwhile, a senior network insider told Fairfax Media that Wilkinson's demands would have resulted in Nine cutting 10 producers' jobs.
Shortly after her Twitter announcement, Network Ten confirmed Wilkinson was joining its current affairs program The Project in a senior hosting role.
On the first episode of the Today show without Wilkinson, Stefanovic paid tribute to his former co-host's grace and intellect, adding she would be sorely missed.
