Providers should understand and prepare to meet their obligations under the recently enacted Gender Equality Act 2020. After extensive public and stakeholder consultation, the Gender Equality Bill was passed on 25 February 2020 with the aim to improve workplace gender equality across the Victorian public sector, universities and local councils. The Act now applies to certain organisations that have 50 or more employees.

Key reforms include the following requirements:

• Organisations are required to develop a Gender Equality Action Plan (GEAP) every four years. GEAPs will include strategies for improving gender equality in the workplace.
• Organisations will report publicly every two years on their progress.
• In certain circumstances, the Public Sector Gender Equality Commissioner can take steps to ensure defined entities comply with their obligations under the Act.