City of Ballarat launches Prevention of Violence and Gender Equality Leadership Statement and Gender Equality Action Plan 2021-2025

The City of Ballarat has cemented its commitment to championing gender equality with the launch of its Prevention of Violence and Gender Equality Leadership Statement and supporting Gender Equality Action Plan 2021-2025. 

The City of Ballarat is launching the Leadership Statement and Gender Equality Action Plan as part of Respect Victoria’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, which takes place each year from 25 November (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) until 10 December (International Human Rights Day). 

City of Ballarat Chief Executive Officer, Evan King said the City of Ballarat has zero tolerance for violence in families, against women and minority groups. 

“Violence is unacceptable but remains common in our municipality and across Australia,” he said. 

“Gender inequality is a leading cause of violence against women, children and minority groups. 

“The City of Ballarat is committed to leading the way when it comes to gender equality and preventing violence against women, children and minority groups in our community.” 

Read the Prevention of Violence and Gender Equality Leadership Statement and watch a short video with City of Ballarat Chief Executive Officer Evan King at www.ballarat.vic.gov.au/genderequality.

The City of Ballarat is working to exceed its obligations under the Gender Equality Act 2020 to promote gender equality in the workplace, consider gender equality when developing policies and programs and delivering services to the community. 

The Gender Equality Action Plan 2021-2025 outlines three key priorities that the organisation will work to achieve by 2025:  

• The City of Ballarat as a sector-wide gender equality leader where all women and gender diverse people, with intersectional characteristics, are acknowledged, celebrated, recognised and supported to succeed. 

• The application of inclusive and bias-free practices when assessing our talent pool to achieve a gender-balanced workforce with pay equity, while also striving to have a workforce that is increasingly representative of the local community. 

• A zero tolerance for sexism, discrimination, bullying and sexual harassment with all staff empowered to recognise, address and respond to it. 

The City of Ballarat works in partnership with key stakeholders and organisations to prevent violence and to create a safe and equitable community for all, regardless of their gender, age or background.  

Mr King said the City of Ballarat has made considerable progress towards gender equality in the workplace, but there is much more the organisation can do. 

“Our Gender Equality Action Plan 2021-2025 outlines a raft of objectives and targeted strategies that we will implement to achieve gender equality in the workplace,” he said. 

“The plan aligns with the organisational-wide cultural change program, The Way Forward, and our Workforce Plan 2021-2025. 

“Together, these important tools will ensure we attract, develop and retain an inclusive, high performing and engaged workforce that will continue to deliver outstanding services to our community.” 

The Prevention of Violence and Gender Equality Leadership Statement and supporting Gender Equality Action Plan 2021-2025 align with goals in the City of Ballarat’s Council Plan 2021-2025, including:  

• Goal 2 – A healthy, connected and inclusive community 

• Goal 6 – A Council that provides leadership and advocates for its community 

This year, the City of Ballarat recommitted to being a member of the Grampians CoRE (Communities of Respect and Equality) Alliance.