The strategy, which follows the 2015 state Royal Commission into Family Violence, was released on Monday following statewide consultation.

“It is an amazing thing to have the first ever Victorian gender equality strategy,” Ms Lee-Ack said. “It’s the first time there has been such an all-encompassing piece of policy work around issues relating to gender equality.”

Key initiatives in the strategy include a gender equality act, the review of laws around sexist advertising and gender-based hate speech, gender equality programs in sports clubs and the creation of a family violence prevention agency.

Family violence costs the Victorian economy $3.4 billion each year, state government data shows.

Ms Lee-Ack said the strategy would lead to real outcomes, and noted it had bipartisan support.

“It’s not just a series of awareness-raising activities, it’s about doing deep policy work that will change the way that the community is,” she said. 

Prevention of Family Violence Minister Fiona Richardson visited Warrnambool in August for the south-west community’s input on the strategy.

Ms Lee-Ack said it was clear issues of concern such as women’s participation in sport and workplace flexibility had been taken into account.

“The minister was also very clear in her remarks yesterday that she sees the development of a strong and gender equitable sporting culture to be absolutely pivotal in changing the way people think about the way boys and girls, men and women are,” she said.

Ms Lee-Ack also praised the recognition of challenges faced by women in rural and regional communities.

Ms Richardson said gender inequality impacted on all workplaces, families and individuals.

“Addressing gender inequality is crucial if we are serious about ending violence against women,” Ms Richardson said. “Bad attitudes towards women are the basis for family violence.”