Victoria has paved the way to establishing the country’s first Gender Equality Commissioner to oversee workplace gender equality in the public sector.
The move comes after the Gender Equality Act was passed by the Victorian Government on 25 February 2020.
Minister for Women, Gabrielle Williams, said the Bill was an Australian first and represented a once in a generation opportunity to influence policy, social norms, cultural expectations and attitudes across Victoria.
“This Bill is a key mechanism in improving the lives of women and all Victorians, ensuring employers of almost 380,000 Victorians in our public sector, councils and universities, take real action to progress gender equality.”
Under the Act, public sector organisations will be required to consider and promote gender equality in the community.
“This Bill ensures that Victoria will continue to lead the country when it comes to improving gender equality – so that people of all genders are able to enjoy equal rights, opportunities, responsibilities and outcomes.”
The Act requires Victorian public sector agencies, including universities and councils, to measure, report on, plan for and progress gender equality in their organisations.
Importantly, the Gender Equality Act requires councils to consider gender equality not only in their workforce but in their policies, and the programs and services they deliver.
A Public Sector Gender Equality Commissioner will be established, who will oversee the requirements for the public sector, councils and universities to take positive action towards gender equality in two respects: workplace gender equality and promoting gender equality in their policies, programs and services.
The Act takes effect from 31 March 2021, with entities required to report on their Gender Equality Action Plans in 2021 and each subsequent 4th year.
