The Victorian Labor Party will introduce a gender and sexuality commissioner in an effort to tackle discrimination and homophobia if it wins next Saturday’s state election.

It has also promised to review all legislation to ensure Victorians are treated equally, including making moves to legalise same-sex adoption and recognising same-sex marriages ordained overseas or interstate.

• Labor still ahead in Vic polls
• What are political promises really worth?
• Victorian leaders face the public

Opposition Leader Daniel Andrews said the new commissioner would work alongside a parliamentary secretary for equality to give people suffering discrimination an opportunity to raise their concerns.

“That respect and inclusion, and basically we’re hoping to bring about that dignity, is to make sure that we have [gay, lesbian, bisexual transgender, intersex] issues and a voice at the centre of government,” he told community radio station Joy FM.

@manlambda The difference between single parenthood & same-sex adoption is denying a child a mother & fathers love from the start

— Matt Zelinsky (@MattZelinsky) November 21, 2014

@ScottNevins I’m writing a book on adoption but on same-sex parents except it’s the view from the child as they get older.

— Mr. Monsoon (@Timm_Savage) November 21, 2014

“It’s about having a voice at the cabinet table … having someone who’s got dedicated responsibility and accountability.”

Mr Andrews also said he planned to rewrite the Equal Opportunities Act and become the first premier to march at Gay Pride.

“I think marriage equality, we should already have gotten to that point, but sadly we haven’t.

“But that will become an undeniable thing that will just have to happen.

“We’ve got to keep working for it, but the least we can do now is be as respectful as possible make sure we have the greatest clarity of recognition and I think this is a very important change.”