- Date:
- 11 Aug 2026
The State of gender equality in Victoria's public sector 2026 is the most comprehensive picture to date of workplace gender equality across Victoria’s public sector. This report assesses progress at the end of duty holders’ first 4-year gender equality action plans under the Gender Equality Act 2020. It draws on audit data submitted in 2021, 2023 and 2025, by around 300 public sector organisations.
This report examines:
- where measurable progress on workplace gender equality has occurred
- where inequalities persist across the public sector
- where future effort is likely to have the greatest impact.
Acknowledgement of Country
The Commission for Gender Equality in the Public Sector acknowledges and pays respect to the Traditional Owners and Custodians of Country throughout Victoria.
Commissioner's foreword
Foreword from Dr Niki Vincent, Public Sector Gender Equality Commissioner.
Message from the Minister for Women and Gender Equality
A message from Gabrielle Williams MP, Minister for Women and Gender Equality.
Executive summary
Victoria’s public sector has made measurable gender equality gains with more women in leadership and more men taking parental leave, but pay gaps and sexual harassment remain key challenges.
Gender equality in the Victorian context
The Victorian public sector makes up around 12% of the state’s workforce. Seven workplace gender equality indicators are used to measure progress in public sector organisations.
About this report
This report draws on 2021, 2023 and 2025 audit data to track workplace gender equality in Victoria’s public sector. It reveals measurable progress, persistent inequalities, and priorities for action.
Indicator 1: Gender composition of the workforce
This chapter looks at overall gender composition across Victoria’s public sector, including composition at all levels of the workforce, in leadership and in uptake of part-time work.
Indicator 2: Gender composition of governing bodies
This chapter looks at gender balance on governing bodies across Victoria's public sector.
Indicator 3: Gender pay gaps
This chapter looks at gender pay gaps across Victoria’s public sector, including differences by industry, occupation, senior leadership, and intersectional groups.
Spotlight on gender pay gap
A spotlight on where the gender pay gap hits hardest, and who is most affected.
Indicator 4: Workplace sexual harassment
This chapter looks at workplace sexual harassment across Victoria’s public sector, including experience, reporting and response.
Spotlight on sexual harassment
A spotlight on sexual harassment in Victoria's public sector, including employee experiences, and the impact of gaps in reporting.
Indicator 5: Recruitment and promotion
This chapter looks at trends in recruitment, promotion and development opportunities by gender across Victoria’s public sector.
Indicator 6: Leave and flexibility
This chapter looks at trends in flexible work, parental leave and carer’s leave by gender across Victoria’s public sector.
Indicator 7: Gendered segregation
This chapter looks at how people of different genders are represented across occupations and industries in Victoria’s public sector.
Appendix 1: Data and methods
This appendix explains the data sources, measures, and methods used to assess progress in this report.
Appendix 2: Duty holders by industry
This appendix provides a list of organisations that are duty holders under the Gender Equality Act 2020 and their industry grouping.
References
This page provides references for sources used throughout this report.
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