WHISE congratulates Victorian Government on passing of landmark Gender Equality Legislation
Today, Women’s Health in the South East (WHISE) celebrates and congratulates all involved in the passing of a landmark legislation, which will drive organisational and cultural change to create sustained, enduring and measurable action on gender equality.
“This legislation strengthens equality of rights and responsibilities for all Victorians of all genders – it is not negotiable. It will recognise those organisations currently showing leadership on equality and provide a strong platform for change for those that are on the journey,” says Kit McMahon, CEO of WHISE.
“We want to take this moment to congratulate the Victorian Government, the Office for Women and Minister Gabrielle Williams for achieving this incredible goal.
“We also want to acknowledge the hard work of all those who have argued and championed for equality and structural change across Victoria that have led to now.
“We also thank previous Minister for Women, Natalie Hutchins and, the late Fiona Richardson for their vision.”
The legislation will apply to all public sector workplaces and puts tools in place to plan measures and track progress to achieving gender equality.
All public sector organisations will be required to develop gender equality action plans every four years, with progress reports every two years and a Commissioner will be established to provide independent oversight of reforms.
“We are very proud to be a part of Victoria right now and are pleased to see that while there are enforcement powers in the legislation, the initial approach will be educational and focus on supporting organisations to achieve gender equity goals,” says Ms. McMahon.
“This strengths-based approach to build capacity and capability together with enforcement powers work will together to realise the vision of this law.”
“WHISE looks forward to working with our partners and community in the Southern Metropolitan Region of Melbourne to raise awareness, build capacity and capability and improve policies and programs to create gender equality.”
