Commission for Gender Equality in the Public Sector (Vic)

The Victorian Commission for Gender Equality in the Public Sector was launched in October 2020, with Dr Niki Vincent the first Commissioner. The Commission oversees implementation of the Gender Equality Act 2020 and plays a key leadership role in promoting gender equality in the Victorian community and workplaces. The Gender Equality Act 2020 (Vic) (Act) was enacted on 25 February 2020 and commenced on 31 March 2021. The Act – the first of its kind in Australia – aims to improve gender equality outcomes in public sector organisations, universities and local councils by breaking down discrimination and gender barriers. The Act requires over 300 Victorian public sector organisations to show meaningful progress against gender equality indicators, including the gender pay gap, access to flexible work arrangements and rates of sexual harassment. It also requires these organisations to think about how their policies, programs or services affect Victorians of different genders through undertaking gender impact assessments. The Act will help pave the way for other jurisdictions and other sectors to tackle gender inequality. It will also help promote gender equality throughout the wider Victorian community. Under the Act, defined entities' organisational progress is monitored by the Commissioner, with the first reporting period commencing in March 2021. The Commission will work with all entities to support their progress towards more gender equal outcomes.