An Australian-first Gender Equality Bill has been introduced into Parliament, aimed at reforming gender workplace rules for the Public Service, universities and local councils.
The Minister for Women, Gabrielle Williams said the Gender Equality Bill meant workplaces would be held to account in making sure women were being afforded the opportunities they deserve.
“Public service organisations, universities and local councils will be required by law to publicly report on their progress against key indicators such as equal pay, sexual harassment and career progression practices,” Ms Williams said.
“They will also be required to challenge workplace discrimination, by preparing and implementing ‘Gender Equality Action Plans’ and undertaking gender impact assessments,” she said.
“These changes will mean many Victorian workforces will be required to put gender equality front and centre where it belongs.”
Ms Williams said more than 300 organisations and about 11 per cent of the Victorian workforce would be covered by the legislation.
She said one in two mothers had reported experiencing workplace discrimination as a result of their pregnancy, parental leave or on return to work.
“Three in 10 employers still do not have a flexible working policy,” Ms Williams said.
“In 2015/16, the average superannuation balances for women aged 60 to 64 years were 58 per cent lower than those of men the same age, or on average $113,660 less,” she said.
“Australia’s gender pay gap is 14.1 per cent.”
Ms Williams said the new laws would apply to workplaces in the Public Service, universities, local governments and organisations such as Court Services Victoria and the Office of the Public Prosecutions.
