Gender equality legislation for Public Service workplaces has passed through the Victorian Parliament in what is an Australian-first for the public sector.
Minister for Women, Gabrielle Williams said the Gender Equality Bill 2019 represented a once-in-a-generation opportunity to influence policy, social norms, cultural expectations and attitudes across Victoria.
“The legislation applies to public sector workplaces and will help close the gender pay gap, improve gender equality at all levels of the workforce and reduce workplace sexual harassment,” Ms Williams said.
“Increasing women’s workforce participation means greater productivity, a boost in economic output and more financially secure families,” she said.
Ms Williams said the Bill required public sector organisations, universities and local councils to develop and implement Gender Equality Action Plans every four years.
She said each plan must include data on the current state of gender equality in the organisation and strategies for achieving workplace gender equality.
“Their progress will be reported on every two years – with results made public for accountability and transparency,” she said.
Ms Williams said a Public Sector Gender Equality Commissioner would be established to provide independent oversight of the reforms.
“While the Bill provides the Commissioner with enforcement powers, the initial approach will be educational, focusing on supporting organisations to achieve their gender equality goals.”
Ms Williams said the Bill had been developed through a comprehensive state-wide consultation process conducted over the past four years.