Local celebrities are championing Lisa Wilkinson for being a woman who knows her worth and quitting Channel 9's Today show after the network refused to pay her the same as her male colleague, Karl Stefanovic.
Not only are Nine now in crisis mode after losing one of their biggest stars, they are facing a backlash for what some are calling "sexist" actions, another has labelled them "a pack of dinosaurs".
The "I break up with Today" hashtag is also taking off on Twitter with threats to boycott the show for refusing to pay men and women equally.
One hour after Wilkinson tweeted she had quit Nine after a decade helming the breakfast show, she announced she had found a new role with Channel Ten's The Project.
Less than 24 hours later and she is already living her best life, throwing a soiree at her home, enjoying a sleep-in and a late breakfast with her husband The Sun-Herald columnist Peter FitzSimons, and setting up dinners with friends, including Seven's Mel Doyle.
That's a date @melissadoyle! x https://t.co/RQI3Mf7EP3??? Lisa Wilkinson (@Lisa_Wilkinson) October 16, 2017
Many have publicly congratulated her decision to walk, including Labor leader Bill Shorten.
"It's fitting that after a decade of breaking news, grilling politicians and asking Australians to look at the world in a different way, her final act at Today was to put the national spotlight on the gender pay gap, a measure of inequality that, shamefully, has barely moved in thirty years," he said.
"I simply say to Lisa: 'Good on you. Good on you for following your principles.'
"There are millions of Australian women who would have taken a small measure of comfort from your actions."
Designer Carla Zampatti (a favourite of Wilkinson's) described the move as "taking a stance for equality".
A post shared by carlazampatti (@carlazampatti) on Oct 16, 2017 at 3:41pm PDT
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While Wilkinson's new colleague Peter Helliar on The Project is already making room in Ten's cabinet display.
Welcome to @theprojecttv @Lisa_Wilkinson!! We are thrilled to tiny bits! You're odds on to become my third co-host to take Gold Logie!! ??????????? Peter Helliar ???????? (@pjhelliar) October 16, 2017
ABC 7.30 presenter Leigh Sales rubbed some salt in Nine's wounds, reminding them of their loss.
. @Lisa_Wilkinson has been a steady, consistent, highly competent, warm and delightful presence on @TheTodayShow - huge loss for them.??? Leigh Sales (@leighsales) October 16, 2017
Here are some other reactions:
In what universe is Karl Stefanovic worthy of a higher income than Lisa Wilkinson? What a pack of dinosaurs.??? Lisa Pryor (@pryorlisa) October 16, 2017
Welcome to the family, @Lisa_Wilkinson! Can't wait to see you at #TheProjectTV desk!??? The Project (@theprojecttv) October 16, 2017
Welcome my lovely friend @Lisa_Wilkinson ??????????? Carrie Bickmore (@BickmoreCarrie) October 16, 2017
On behalf of #womeninmedia THANK YOU @Lisa_Wilkinson taking a stand over #equalpay as a role model for @WIM_Aus??? Tracey Spicer (@TraceySpicer) October 16, 2017
Channel Nine has always been deeply sexist. I railed about it extensively and repetitively when I wrote weekly columnd for @theage.??? Catherine Deveny (@CatherineDeveny) October 17, 2017
Congratulations @Lisa_Wilkinson for a decade of success at Channel 9. I've loved working alongside you. Good luck with the next chapter.??? BenFordham (@BenFordham) 16 October 2017
That';s my Missus.
Got a new job in 45 minutes! https://t.co/mTekvq67NZ ??? ??? ?????? Peter FitzSimons (@Peter_Fitz) October 16, 2017
Lisa-I'm shocked & saddened to see this. I hope you're all right. You will be missed so much. I wish you every success for the days to come.??? Julie Goodwin (@_JulieGoodwin) October 16, 2017
You're a class act, @Lisa_Wilkinson. You'll succeed in whatever comes next. Meanwhile, enjoy cancelling the 3am alarm!??? Michael Rowland (@mjrowland68) October 16, 2017
A post shared by Mia Freedman (@miafreedman) on Oct 16, 2017 at 5:23am PDT
Because we're worth it ????#girlboss @lisa_wilkinson #equalpay image via @stellarmag
A post shared by The Ladies Network (@theladiesnetwork) on Oct 16, 2017 at 5:53pm PDT
