The state government has announced a $5.5 million investment in a new Safe Workplaces for Women Initiative, which it hopes will change culture and attitudes towards women in the workplace.
Working in partnership with both employees and employers through Victorian Trades Hall Council (VTHC), the Victorian Chamber of Industry and Commerce (VCCI) and the Working Women’s Centre Victoria, the initiative will drive action to make sure people understand their rights, their legal obligations and can access support.
Minister for Women Natalie Hutchins said the government is leading the way on changing culture to make sure women feel safe, heard and included. One in three workers has experienced sexual harassment in the workplace in the last five years, and they face significant barriers in resolving issues.
Victorian Trades Hall Council will deliver safe workplaces training and conduct outreach with women workers to respond to the issues impacting them at work.
The Victorian Chamber of Industry and Commerce will be supported to work with small to medium size businesses to understand their legal obligations and address important gender issues in the workplace.
The Working Women’s Centre Victoria, primarily funded by the Federal Government, will use funding to expand their rural and regional outreach services so that every woman across Victoria can access legal support and services.
The Safe Workplaces for Women Initiative is part of the Strengthening Women’s Safety Package announced last year – driving action at every stage to better respond to victims, deliver a stronger justice response that holds offenders to account, and continuing our world-leading prevention response.
“We are listening and we know that to change culture, we need to make workplaces safe, equal and inclusive for women – regardless of where they live or what they do,” Ms Hutchins said.
“This is another step towards making a better, fairer and more inclusive Victoria for all.”
