Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) is about ensuring that all employees have equal access to the opportunities that are available at work by:

• making sure that workplaces are free from all forms of unlawful discrimination and harassment, and
• providing programs to assist members of EEO groups to overcome past or present disadvantage.

EEO strategies could include workplace rules, policies, practices and behaviours e.g. recruitment programs and access to training and career development.

EEO groups are people affected by past or continuing disadvantage or discrimination in employment. As a result they may be more likely to be unemployed or working in lower paid jobs. These groups include:

• women;
• Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders;
• members of racial, ethnic, and ethno-religious minority groups; and
• people with a disability.

Although agencies will only be required to report on the groups listed above, all agencies are encouraged to consider EEO as part of broader equity and diversity frameworks. The Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 provides for the fair treatment of all groups within the community, and includes provisions for age and carers responsibilities.

Equal Employment Opportunity is an outcome, not just a process, and to be effective requires the participation of both staff and management to ensure that:

• fair practices are put in place;
• management decisions being made without bias;
• recognition and respect is given for the social and cultural backgrounds of all staff and customers;
• employment practices produce staff satisfaction, commitment to the job and the delivery of quality services to customers;
• the best person is recruited and/or promoted;
• skilled staff are retained; and
• the workplace is efficient and free of harassment and discrimination.

To be effective, EEO requires the active participation of both staff and management. All staff have the responsibility:

• to work to their full capacity;
• to recognise the skills and talents of other staff members;
• to respect cultural and social diversity among colleagues and customers;
• to refuse to co-operate in, or condone any behaviour that may harass a colleague.

As an EEO supervisor/manager, you have the additional responsibility of ensuring that:

• the work environment is free from all forms of harassment;
• staff are provided with information that will assist them to carry out their duties;
• all staff members have an equal opportunity to:
• increase skills to meet work demands;
• attend training courses;
• act in higher duties;
• participate in job rotation schemes; and
• apply for all available jobs.

We can assist you with your compliance in this area of law and document your workplace policies and procedures. We are also available to conduct seminars to management and/or staff on the importance of EEO in the workplace.

Call one of our Commercial Lawyers for free initial telephone advice on your circumstances on (02) 9525 8688.