The Victorian government has implemented Australia’s first Gender Equality Act that will require public sector employers to “promote and advance” gender equality in the workplace. The legislation (pdf), which came into effect on March 31, will see the public sector—including local councils and universities—“close the gender pay gap, improve gender equality at all levels of the workforce and eliminate workplace sexual harassment,” Victoria’s Minister for Women, Gabrielle Williams, said in a statement (pdf). “[T]his Act will help ensure all genders enjoy equal rights, opportunities, responsibilities and outcomes,” Williams said. Furthermore, organisations in the public sector will need to undergo gender impact assessments, a workplace gender audit, and prepare and publish a “Gender Equality Action Plan.” “Gender inequality” in the workplace must be captured as of June 30, with the action plan submitted to the Public Sector Gender Equality Commissioner by Oct. 31 in each reporting year. The reporting year cycles …