THE newly passed Gender Equality Bill 2019 has been praised by leading members of the Sunraysia community for the way it “ups the ante” in the workplace.
Passed in Victorian Parliament on Thursday, the Bill will require the public sector to develop and regularly report on a gender equality action plan, which assesses equal pay, sexual harassment and equal opportunity for career progression.
Mildura councillor for gender equality Helen Healy welcomed the Bill, but said Mildura Rural City Council was leading the way for gender equality.
“I think for the first time it will just provide for accountability and transparency on gender equality in the workplace and across the public sector,” she said.
“The idea that each of those have to develop a gender equality action plan and report on them every two years is really important to ensure that people of all genders can enjoy equal rights, outcomes and opportunities.
“I think Mildura Rural City Council is showing exceptional leadership in that space — we have a female CEO, general manager, deputy mayor and, uniquely, my portfolio for gender equality.”
About 300 employers will be held accountable with the Bill, covering 380,000 employees of councils, universities, TAFE colleges, Victoria Police, Court Services Victoria and the Office of Public Prosecutions
Member for Mildura Ali Cupper also showed full support for the Bill, noting its importance across the Sunraysia community.
“Any steps that help to elevate women to their rightful place as equal to men are positive and it’s been great to see the Victorian Government take another very progressive step towards that,” she said.
“The issue of gender inequality is bad for both genders … women miss out on opportunities, are more likely to be dehumanised and become more likely to be victims of family violence.
“At the same time men and boys are more likely to be taught that they can’t express their feelings and they have to be superior and the way that looks is they have to be tough and not express certain parts of their humanity, which can lead to violence, not just in the capacity to be violent to others but to be violent to themselves.
“I think steps towards gender equality, even though it might be expressed as providing affirmative action to women, is just as valuable to men.”
A public-sector gender equality commissioner will be established for the Bill and guidelines will be released for the gender equality action plan.
Cr Healy said the Bill would raise standards in the public sector, with mandatory reporting every two years.
“This Bill just ups the ante on accountability and transparency because it has to be implemented and reported on,” she said.
“It’s not about the way things have been in the past and I think that’s really important that it will be the best candidate for the job.”
