Hansard debates

Tim PALLAS (Werribee – Treasurer, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Economic Growth) (12:57): In accordance with the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006, I table a statement of compatibility in relation to the Financial Management Amendment (Gender Responsive Budgeting) Bill 2024:

In accordance with section 28 of the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act (Vic) 2006, (the Charter), I make this Statement of Compatibility with respect to the Financial Management Amendment (Gender Responsive Budgeting) Bill 2024.

In my opinion, the Financial Management Amendment (Gender Responsive Budgeting) Bill 2024 (the Bill), as introduced to the Legislative Assembly, is compatible with the human rights set out in the Charter. I base my opinion on the reasons outlined in this statement.

Overview of the Bill

The purpose of the Bill is to amend the Financial Management Act 1994 (the FMA) to:

a) include in the principles of sound financial management a requirement to consider and promote gender equality and inclusivity in the pursuit of spending and taxing policies

b) provide for a statement of the gender impacts of the budget to be prepared in association with the budget for each financial year

c) provide for the Minister to request a gender impact assessment (GIA) in relation to any matter under the FMA. This is intended to be used in limited circumstances where the Gender Equality 2020 (GE Act) does not apply.

The Bill makes no consequential amendments to other legislation.

Human Rights Issues

No Charter rights are limited by the Bill. The Bill broadly promotes the rights enshrined in section 8 of the Charter by embedding gender responsive budgeting (GRB) practice into the FMA. In particular, the Bill promotes section 8(2) of the Charter which provides that every person has the right to enjoy their human rights without discrimination, and section 8(3) which sets out the right to equality before the law and equal protection of the law.

I therefore consider that this Bill is compatible with the Charter.

Tim Pallas MP

Treasurer