Victorian Pay Equality Toolkit

Discover the Pay Equality Toolkit

Why equal pay matters 

Unequal pay is driven by gender bias and sex discrimination and the historical and systemic undervaluing of work traditionally associated with women. Ensuring equal pay isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s a smart business decision. By demonstrating your commitment to pay equality, you ensure individual workers are remunerated fairly for their skills, effort, responsibility and working conditions. 

This commitment not only enhances your reputation but drives better business outcomes - increased employee productivity, engagement, and morale – making your business more attractive to top talent and helping retain your best employees. Businesses that practise fairness and equity are viewed more favourably by customers, partners and the public. 

What the toolkit offers 

Created with input from the Equal Workplaces Advisory Council, industry experts, and various small businesses in Victoria, the Equal Pay Toolkit offers a range of free, easy-to-use resources designed specifically to simplify the process of achieving pay equality in the workplace. These tools can be integrated into your daily business operations, helping you foster an equal pay mindset at all stages of employment. 

What is in the toolkit? 

The toolkit helps SMEs fulfil legal requirements by offering guidance and templates. 

Although the tools are interconnected, you don’t need to follow the toolkit in a specific order. You may not need or use all the tools simultaneously, and some may not be relevant to your organisation.

However, it is recommended that you start off with the Pay Equality Compass as that will show you where you are on your equal pay journey and allow you to plot your next steps.

Why do we need a Pay Equality Toolkit?

This toolkit was created in response to a 2020 report, Equal Pay Matters, which outlined the historical and systemic undervaluing of work traditionally associated with women, along with widespread industry and occupational segregation.

The report also found that small businesses can address the gender pay gap with tailored practical resources.

Legal requirements

Under Victorian and national law, all employers, including small to medium enterprises (SMEs), must not discriminate against their employees and job applicants. This includes ensuring that workers receive equal pay for work of equal or comparable value.

Under Victoria’s Equal Opportunity Act 2010, employers are required to take reasonable steps to prevent and eliminate discrimination occurring in their businesses. Known as the positive duty, this includes proactively preventing and addressing pay inequality.

Discover the Pay Equality Toolkit and begin your path toward achieving workplace pay equality.

Disclaimer: The Pay Equality Toolkit is designed solely as a guide. It should not be considered a replacement for legal advice.

Discover the Pay Equality Toolkit

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