Gender Equality at Victorian Government

The Victorian Government is committed to gender equality.

The Gender Equality Act 2020 commenced on 31 March 2021. The Act will improve workplace gender equality in the Victorian public sector, universities and local councils.

The Act is administered by the Commissioner for Gender Equality in the Public Sector which has been established to monitor public sector organisations so that they progress the gender equality goals of the Victorian Government.

Across the Victorian Public Service (VPS), 59% of employees are women and in the broader public sector, 68 per cent of employees are women (as at June 2021).

The VPS supports the participation of women in leadership and career development opportunities, by providing:

4 weeks annual leave
parental leave for both genders (covering all definitions of parenthood)
carers, compassionate, family violence leave
flexible working arrangements to assist with work-life balance
an employee assistance program for well-being and career support
structured progression and professional development opportunities
staff networks specifically for women.

As part of our genuine commitment, the VPS has implemented, and continues to review, a flexible work policy to support both individual flexibility and business performance needs across the public service.

“People have been so open about including me in their work so I can gain a broader and deeper understanding of the public sector.” Read full story
Stephanie, generalist stream