There were over 700,000 small to medium businesses operating in Victoria in 2023, representing around 30 per cent in State economic activity. We know that the current operating environment is tough and it can be challenging to keep up to date with compliance obligations and leading workplace practices. We also know that people are integral to the success of businesses in Victoria. Improving pay equity can help businesses attract and retain talented people.

If you operate a small to medium business in the City of Ballarat employing up to 100 people, you are invited to participate in a focus group on Pay Equity for SMEs. You will learn about what pay equity is, what your obligations as an employer are and what are some of the ways to address the gender pay gap. In addition, we will be seeking your views on what the barriers and enablers are to take action to reduce the gender pay gap. We want to understand how small to medium businesses can be enabled to improve pay equity efficiently and effectively.

The session will be facilitated by One Red Step, a social equity consulting practice, engaged by the Victorian Government to conduct research on the gender pay gap in partnership with the Impact Economics and Policy, the University of Canberra and the University of Tasmania.

The session will take 90 minutes and be conducted at the Lucas Community Hub meeting room at 17 Coltman Plaza, Lucas VIC 3350.

This session is targeted to people in small to medium businesses who are in positions to influence decisions on employee pay, conditions and policy. You can register your attendance at the session at this link. Your business will receive a voucher for participating in the session.

This is one of a number of consultation sessions with Victorian businesses. The information from all of the sessions will be themed into a final report for the Victorian Government. All participation will be confidential, unless you wish to be identified in the final report.

If you have any questions or accessibility requirements prior to the session, please contact info@oneredstep.com.au.