The Andrews Labor Government will provide $900,000 to Our Watch to manage a Workplace Equality and Respect Project to help Victorian workplaces build the policies and practices they need to prevent violence.
Making the announcement today, Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence Fiona Richardson said participating workplaces would receive assistance in equipping staff with recognising and responding to family violence, as well as maintaining respectful relationships.
Organisations that are high profile, respected and influential leaders will be targeted, with participating workplaces announced early next year.
Under the initiative, Our Watch will also partner with regional service providers to support the implementation of workplace programs in rural and regional Victoria.
Today’s announcement coincides with the inaugural Victoria Against Violence campaign – a 16-day, community-based, government-supported education and awareness initiative about family violence.
Communities across the state are urged to get involved, with the full calendar of events available at
Quotes attributable to Minister for Women, Fiona Richardson
“Workplaces have a very real role to play in ending gender inequality. This funding will help Our Watch work with leading workplaces to stamp out sexism, and recognise and respond to family violence.”
“Second to the home, the workplace is where many of us spend the most amount of time. So ensuring Victorian workplaces maintain zero tolerance towards gender discrimination goes to the heart of addressing family violence.”
“As our government prepares for the Royal Commission recommendations next year, we will be looking at ways to embed family violence prevention across the community in workplaces, hospitals, schools and other services.”
Reviewed 10 February 2021