Around 300 public sector employers across Victoria including Agencies, Departments, Universities and local Councils are now required by law to practice gender equality in their workplaces.
Australia’s first Gender Equality Act has come into effect in Victoria, as part of a goal to achieve gender equal workplaces in the public sector.
Minister for Women, Gabrielle Williams said the State’s inaugural Public Sector Gender Equality Commissioner, Niki Vincent would work with PS workplaces to close the gender pay gap, improve gender equality at all levels and eliminate workplace sexual harassment.
“Organisations will also need to undertake gender impact assessments – ensuring that policies, programs and services consider the different needs of Victorians of all genders,” Ms Williams said.
“International evidence shows that when compelled to identify gender gaps and develop a plan to address those gaps, organisations take deliberate and positive action,” she said.
Ms Williams said Dr Vincent and the Commission were undertaking extensive consultation with the public sector and would provide support to organisations so they can fulfill their obligations under the Act.
Dr Vincent said the Act was the first of its kind in Australia, and required public sector organisations to show real progress on gender equality in the workplace and the community.
“The Act will have far-reaching benefits, not only for public sector workers who make up 11 per cent of the Victorian workforce, but for the people they serve,” Dr Vincent said.
Guidance and resources from the Commission for Gender Equality in the Public Sector’s that support PS Agencies complying with the Gender Equality Act can be accessed at this PS News link.
