Inequity is deeply entrenched in our society based on factors such as:
- gender and gender identity
- race and ethnicity
- culture and religion
- age
- place
- sexual orientation
- sex characteristics
- disability.
We know our department cannot stamp out all forms of discrimination alone. However, our relationships with communities and other government stakeholders make us uniquely placed to lead and influence cultural and institutional change in different settings. We play a critical role in:
- championing equity
- promoting belonging and inclusion
- shepherding whole-of-government actions to celebrate, support and empower Victoria’s diverse communities.
Over the next four years, we will work alongside our priority communities to ensure our programs and services are non-discriminatory and reflect their needs. We will also continue to provide leadership, advice and support across government to advocate for specific cohorts that experience inequity. We will drive intersectional approaches to policies, services and programs.
We will share our expertise to support departments and agencies to deliver accessible communications and embed inclusion principles into major reforms.
We will also:
- strengthen intergovernmental advocacy to influence the national policy agenda on disability inclusion, gender equality, LGBTIQA+ inclusion, veterans affairs, aged care, family violence and equitable access to social services and programs
- coordinate and deliver actions under whole-of-government strategies to promote equitable outcomes and access to safe and inclusive services for all Victorians, including:
- Our promise, your future: youth strategy 2022–27
- Pride in our future: LGBTIQA+ strategy 2022–32
- Inclusive Victoria: state disability plan 2022–26
- Ageing well action plan 2022–26
- Our equal state: Victoria’s gender equality strategy and action plan 2023–27
- Strong Foundations: Building on Victoria’s work to end family violence and the third Rolling Action Plan under the 10-year plan (to be released in 2024)
- lead and support legislative reforms to support and protect the rights of people with disability, LGBTIQA+ people, older adults and other people with complex needs
- equip government stakeholders to better support youth participation and engage the youth sector
- deliver critical supports for Victorian LGBTIQA+ groups and organisations to empower their communities through all life stages - from events celebrating LGBTIQA+ identities, culture and history, to funding critical services delivered by and for LGBTIQA+ communities.