Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Anti-Discrimination Program

Diversity in the workplace means having employees from a wide range of backgrounds.

This can include having employees of different ages, gender, ethnicity, physical ability, sexual orientation, religious belief, work experience, educational background, and so on.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY (EEO) AND ANTI-DISCRIMINATION

In Australia, national and state laws cover equal employment opportunity and anti-discrimination in the workplace. You’re required by these laws to create a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. It’s important that as an employer, you understand your rights and responsibilities under human rights and anti-discrimination law. By putting effective anti-discrimination and anti-harassment procedures in place in your business you can improve productivity and increase efficiency.

The Australian Human Rights Commission has a range of fact sheets to help you develop effective policies and best practice guidelines. The Fair Work Ombudsman also provides education and assistance for employees and employers on preventing discrimination in the workplace.

BOOK 2 HOUR PROGRAM
BOOK 4 HOUR PROGRAM

EMPLOYING STAFF FAIRLY

Taking on people facing barriers to employment is often overlooked by employers and can be a useful way of diversifying the skill set within a business. There are funding and incentive schemes available for businesses that support people with a disability, Indigenous Australians, the long-term unemployed and the mature-aged.

Use Grants & Assistance to help you find the most relevant incentives and support to your business.

The Australian Human Rights Commission also offers best practice guidelines for recruitment and selection to help you recruit in a fair and discrimination-free way.

ADVANTAGES OF DIVERSITY IN THE WORKPLACE

If you have a diverse workplace in your business, you can benefit from the different talents, experiences and perspectives of your employees. Find out more about the advantages of employing:

DON’T DISCRIMINATE!

It’s unlawful to disadvantage employees and job seekers in any way because of their:

  • race
  • colour
  • gender
  • sexual preference
  • age
  • physical or mental disability
  • marital status
  • family or carer’s responsibilities
  • pregnancy
  • religion
  • political opinion
  • national extraction
  • social origin.

Read about managing employees and religious holidays to make sure you don’t discriminate, and help you provide a workplace culture that encourages diversity.

PROGRAMS

Short Programs – 1.5 Hours

Long Programs – 3.5 Hours

Equal employment opportunity and anti-discrimination in your state or territory

Australian Capital Territory

The ACT Human Rights Commission has a number of publications on discrimination.

New South Wales

Information for employers and managers – the NSW Anti-Discrimination Board has prepared guidelines to assist employers and advisers to understand how anti-discrimination laws work in New South Wales.

Northern Territory

Northern Territory Anti-Discrimination Commission – the Commission administers the Northern Territory Anti-Discrimination Act and can provide resources and training for employers and employees.

Queensland

Anti-Discrimination Commission Queensland – the Queensland Anti-Discrimination Commission has information for employers on anti-discrimination principles and practices.

South Australia

EO for business – the Equal Opportunity Commission of South Australia provides information for employers and service providers on managing equal opportunity in the workplace.

Tasmania

Office of the Anti-Discrimination Commissioner – information for organisations.

Victoria

Discrimination – the Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission provides details on the laws governing anti-discrimination in Victoria.

Western Australia

The Equal Opportunity Commission of Western Australia provides a number of brochures and other publications relating to equal opportunity in the workplace.