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New guideline enables safe, inclusive workplaces for LGBTIQA+ employees

Victorian workplaces will be safer and more inclusive for LGBTIQA+ employees with the release of a new resource by the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission. 

The Commission’s Guideline: LGBTIQA+ Inclusive Workplaces is an essential tool for employers to meet their obligation to eliminate discrimination against LGBTIQA+ employees in Victoria under the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic). 

LGBTIQA+ people in Victoria face many barriers to workplace inclusion and employment, but are protected from discrimination based on gender identity, sex characteristics and sexual orientation under the Act.  

To enable workplace change, the guideline provides 5 minimum standards that employers should meet to create inclusive workplaces and comply with their legal duty to prevent, not just respond to, discrimination against LGBTIQA+ employees. 

In consultations with LGBTIQA+ lived experience experts and advocates, the Commission heard about both subtle and overt forms of LGBTIQA+ discrimination at work – from missing out on a job opportunity because of the way they look, to being asked inappropriate questions about their body or sexuality, or being denied access to bathrooms or facilities. 

The new guideline arrives amid growing concerns about workplace safety and acceptance. The 2024 Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Employee Survey results showed LGBTQIA+ employees are less likely to be ‘out’ at work in 2025 than they were in 2022, with a decrease of 12.9% in people who are ‘out’ over four years. 

Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commissioner Ro Allen said that LGBTIQA+ employees have a right to safe and inclusive workplaces which bring wider benefits to employers and the economy. 

‘The freedom to be ourselves and feel safe in the workplace is not a privilege. It’s a basic right that Victorians of all gender identities, sex characteristics and sexual orientations should enjoy.’ 

‘Evidence tells us that inclusive workplaces are the way forward. We know that employees are more invested and perform better when they are valued, safe and supported. Inclusive employers are creating a culture of empathy, innovation, resilience and collaboration that drives productivity and retains talent.’  

VEOHRC contact: 0400 979 921, commissioner@veohrc.vic.gov.au

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Address
Melbourne Victoria 3000

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The Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission acknowledges that we work on the traditional lands of the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation. We also work remotely and serve communities on the lands of other Traditional Custodians.

We pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

The Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission recognises the injustice resulting from the colonial invasion and occupation of First Peoples’ territories and the Yoorrook Justice Commission’s findings of genocide, crimes against humanity and denial of freedoms.