Victoria has just made history, passing the country’s first ever state-based Gender Equality Act and establishing new standards for equity and equality in the state.

The Andrews Labor Government’s Gender Equality Bill 2019 has passed through the Parliament and marks a major legislative push to address workplace gender barriers and gender discrimination.

The Act aim to ensure that workplaces publicly report on their gender equality progress whilst also implementing gender equality action plans.

The Act will also see a number of equity measures established, including gender targets in the public service, universities and local government. It will also see monitoring systems established to investigate performance in things like flexible work, pregnancy, parental leave and superannuation in public organisations.

Celebrations in Queens Hall as Gender Equality Bill passes in the @VicParliament congrats Minister @GabbyWilliamsMP and @JennyMikakos pic.twitter.com/uRwqGpVnI4 — Gender Equity Victoria (@genderequityvic) February 20, 2020

Victoria’s Minister for Women Gabrielle Williams described the Bill as a “once in a generation opportunity” to influence policy, social norms, cultural expectations and attitudes across the state.

“This Bill is a key mechanism in improving the lives of women and all Victorians, ensuring employers of almost 380,000 Victorians in our public sector, councils and universities, take real action to progress gender equality,” she said.

“This Bill ensures that Victoria will continue to lead the country when it comes to improving gender equality – so that people of all genders are able to enjoy equal rights, opportunities, responsibilities and outcomes.”

GEN VIC CEO Tanja Kovac (pictured above) has described it as nothing short of significant.