An Australian-first guide to gender equality and respect will be rolled-out across Victorian TAFEs, thanks to support from the Andrews Labor Government.

Minister for Training and Skills Gayle Tierney today launched the Respect and Equality in TAFE guide, supported by $800,000 from the Labor Government and led by Our Watch in collaboration with Victorian TAFEs.

The step-by-step guide includes written and visual resources that work alongside a dedicated website, encouraging TAFEs to create change by implementing equality action plans, fostering female leadership, encouraging female students to enrol in non-traditional courses and supporting staff to identify and respond to incidents on-campus.

Teachers at Melbourne Polytechnic, which was one of six TAFEs involved in the pilot, have already developed a project for VCAL students to reflect on their own values and behaviours relating to family violence and prevention.

The initiative responds to key recommendations from the Royal Commission into Family Violence. A national version is currently under development.

Since 2015, the Labor Government has made a record $3.2 billion investment to rebuild TAFE and support universities and higher education to ensure all Victorians have access to high quality education and rewarding career pathways.

The Victorian Budget 2021/22 includes a $383.8 million investment in the sector to ensure more Victorians get the training they need for in-demand jobs.