The economy could see a $1.5 billion boost if couples shared housework more evenly.

A Westpac report has found that if men picked up more of the unpaid work, enabling women to extend their paid work hours, an individual household's income could be boosted by 530-dollars per year.

Association of Counsellors' Robyn McGill told Mike Hosking women do nine hours a week more unpaid work, like childcare, compared to men.

She says women have been conditioned to think their part in the economy is to stay home and raise children.