Partnering for Progress: Strengthening Gender Equality Outcomes Across Victoria’s Public Sector

The Commission for Gender Equality in the Public Sector (CGEPS) supports the Public Sector Gender Equality Commissioner in implementing the Gender Equality Act (2020) and advancing gender equality across Victoria’s public sector and broader community. The Commission monitors compliance, analyses workplace data, oversees gender impact assessments, and provides insights to support inclusive policy and program design.

Following the first round of progress reports submitted by over 300 defined entities, CGEPS engaged Right Lane Consulting to evaluate their performance through five distinct yet complementary projects.

Gender equality outcomes

1. A progress reporting review

Right Lane Consulting undertook a detailed review of the 2023 reporting process, engaging over a quarter of defined entities through stakeholder interviews, focus groups across diverse sectors and regions, and online surveys. The review provided a clear picture of the current state of reporting. It identified strengths in the existing process while also surfacing key areas for improvement in gender equality outcomes, for both the Commission and duty holders.

In response, the Commission has committed to three key improvements: implementing a cohort-based support model, developing more tailored resources, and strengthening its feedback process. For defined entities, the review identified three critical success factors going forward: actively engaging with peer networks and communities of practice, securing executive-level sponsorship, and making better use of existing CGEPS guidance and tools. These changes aim to enhance both the quality and impact of future reporting cycles.

The review was published by CGEPS on 3 February 2025 and is publicly accessible.

2. Lapsing funding evaluation

In preparation for a 2025 budget bid, CGEPS engaged Right Lane Consulting to evaluate the impact of approximately $5M in funding across two key areas: support for gender impact assessments (GIAs) and the ongoing operation of the Gender Equality Act Reporting Platform. The evaluation assessed the effectiveness, appropriateness, and efficiency of current funding and any unintended impacts. Findings highlighted shortfalls in capacity and capability among defined entities to conduct GIAs, insufficient internal resources within the Commission to provide necessary support, and a heavy reliance on contractors. The review also found that the reporting platform lacks sustainable funding for ongoing maintenance and evolution, threatening its ability to meet legislated obligations. A high-level evaluation report was delivered to support CGEPS’ future funding request and ensure continued delivery of its statutory responsibilities.

3. Strategic plan development

CGEPS identified the need for a concise, public-facing document to clearly articulate its strategic priorities. Drawing on previously developed strategic pillars and related content produced in collaboration with Right Lane Consulting, the document was shaped through further consultation with internal and external stakeholders to ensure alignment and shared ownership. The final deliverable was a succinct, five-page summary designed to support CGEPS in communicating its strategic direction and engaging effectively with defined entities.

4. Gender Impact Assessment research

CGEPS partnered with Right Lane Consulting to investigate how Gender Impact Assessments (GIAs) could be more effectively implemented across regional and rural councils and hospitals. Drawing on surveys, interviews, and focus groups involving 44% of councils and 30% of hospitals, the research applied a framework examining capability, organisation, culture, and infrastructure. While many promising practices were identified, the study highlighted key challenges, including limited access to training, collaboration opportunities, and tailored support. The resulting report recommends targeted actions for the Commission, defined entities, and peak bodies, emphasising the need for strengthened guidance, investment in systems and capability, and cross-sector collaboration. The findings reinforce the importance of context-specific approaches to embed gender equality in regional and rural settings.

5. VPS Gender Impact Assessment resource development

Insights from the first round of progress reporting and stakeholder consultations highlighted the need for more tailored support to help Victorian Public Service (VPS) organisations meet their Gender Impact Assessment (GIA) obligations—particularly in light of recent amendments to the Financial Management Act 1994. In response, Right Lane Consulting collaborated with public service stakeholders to develop VPS-specific resources under the Gender Equality Act 2020. These included a quick reference guide summarising key GIA steps and decision points, a training model to build internal GIA capability through champion roles, and a structured framework for VPS GIA case studies—together supporting more consistent, confident application of GIAs across the sector.

Feedback across all projects

Feedback from the Commissioner:

‘Thank you all for your excellent work. I am really happy with this final product and look forward to publishing it as soon as possible.’

Feedback from the CGEPS team:

‘Thanks again for all your work to produce these fantastic resources. We’re confident that VPS staff will find them useful in undertaking GIA on their work. It’s been such a pleasure to work with you in these last couple of months and we appreciate your thoughtful and adaptive approach in running the project.’

‘Thanks again, this has been a stellar effort and is a really useful piece for us going forward. Much appreciated!’

If you would like to know more about how Right Lane Consulting can support you in getting better gender equality outcomes, get in touch today.