This article will cover EEO meaning in Australia and the relevant laws. So what’s EEO meaning?
In simple terms, EEO or equal opportunity means everyone gets a fair go at getting a job and career advancement. It’s about not discriminating based on race, gender, age, religion and disability. It is unlawful to disadvantage employees who are only seeking proper employment.
Australia doesn’t have a specific EEO legislation but there are a few laws that promote fairness, equal opportunity employment, and anti-discrimination. Let’s go through them one by one.
EEO Meaning: EEO Laws in Australia
Although there’s no specific EEO legislation in Australia, the country has been promoting diversity and anti-discrimination laws that allow every person to have equal employment opportunities like everyone else. These anti-discrimination national and state laws are necessary to consider when reading about EEO meaning.
The Fair Work Act 2009
Australia has a Commonwealth legislation called the Fair Work Act 2009. This covers the relationship between employees and employers. The main purpose of this Act is to reform the country’s industrial relations system and make it fair for both parties.
This equal opportunity legislation prohibits discrimination in the workplace based on various factors like race, gender, age, and disability. It promotes equal employment opportunity and awareness of workplace harassment. Section 351 of the Act states that employers must not discriminate against current or potential employees based on any of the following:
- race,
- colour,
- sex,
- sexual orientation,
- breastfeeding,
- gender identity,
- intersex status,
- age (regardless of mature aged workers or young employees)
- physical or mental disability,
- marital status,
- caregiving responsibilities,
- exposure to domestic and family violence,
- pregnancy,
- religion,
- political opinion,
- national extraction, or
- social origin.
Note: If you’re in Victoria, and want to learn about EEO meaning, look up the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 covers discrimination in employment. The Act also includes provisions for sexual harassment and victimisation at work.
EEO Meaning: Other EEO Laws in Australia
Other Commonwealth laws in Australia deal with discrimination in the diverse workforce on a specific level. Here are some of them:
- Age Discrimination Act 2004. Focuses on age-based discrimination in employment, training, and access to goods and services.
- Disability Discrimination Act 1992. Prohibits discrimination against people with disability in all aspects of life including employment. It allows for reasonable adjustments to be made for people with disability.
- Racial Discrimination Act 1975. Outlaws discrimination based on race, colour, national origin, ethnicity, or immigrant status in employment, education, and other areas.
- Sex Discrimination Act 1984. Protects against discrimination on the basis of sex, pregnancy, marital status, parental status, breastfeeding, and sexual orientation in all areas including employment.
EEO Law in New South Wales (NSW)
When reading about EEO meaning, note that each state and territory in Australia also has anti-discrimination legislation that may provide broader protections than these Commonwealth laws. These laws may cover additional characteristics not included in the above laws.
In New South Wales (NSW), the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 covers the rules on equal employment opportunity. This Act prohibits discrimination on more grounds than the Fair Work Act. NSW’s Anti-Discrimination Act is quite detailed as it has specific provisions per category. There are twelve parts under this Act that covers the rules and prohibitions on discrimination in NSW:
- Part 2 – Racial discrimination
- Part 2A – Sexual harassment
- Part 3 – Sex discrimination
- Part 3A – Transgender discrimination
- Part 4 – Material or domestic status
- Part 4A – Disability
- Part 4B – Carer responsibilities
- Part 4BA – Religious vilification
- Part 4C – Homosexuality
- Part 4E – Compulsory retirement from employment on age
- Part 4F – HIV/AIDS vilification
- Part 4G – Age
NSW Anti-Discrimination Board
What is the NSW Anti-Discrimination Board? The Anti-Discrimination Board is an independent government agency responsible for administering the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW) in New South Wales.
Their main functions are to promote equal opportunity and eliminate discrimination in all aspects of life including employment. Here’s a breakdown of what they do:
- Complaint investigation. They investigate complaints lodged by individuals alleging discrimination based on the Act’s protected characteristics (age, race, sex, disability etc) in areas such as employment, education, and access to services.
- Dispute resolution. The Board can assist in resolving complaints through conciliation where both parties try to reach an agreement.
- Awareness promotion. They promote public awareness of anti-discrimination laws and educate the community about their rights and obligations. This includes providing resources and information sessions.
- Exemptions. In specific circumstances, the Board can grant exemptions from certain provisions of the Act.
- Government advice. They provide expert advice to the NSW government on discrimination issues and recommend changes to anti-discrimination legislation for improvement.
These points are essential to understand when reading up about EEO meaning.
EEO Meaning: What is EEO For?
To understand EEO meaning let’s look at the government’s purpose in creating these laws.
The government wants better welfare and living conditions for its people. Now having equal employment opportunities is part of the government’s main objective because people can get into jobs that help their families and themselves.
So the real EEO meaning is about social justice. EEO creates a just and fair society where everyone can contribute and succeed.
Moreover, a diverse and inclusive workforce brings more perspectives, experiences, and knowledge to the table. This leads to more innovation, problem-solving, and better business performance. Some factors that can help with these are the modification of workplace aspects such as flexible working arrangements.
Also when employees feel valued and respected for who they are they, tend to be more engaged, productive, and happy in their jobs. EEO creates a positive work environment where everyone feels comfortable to bring their best.
Finally, Australian law prohibits discrimination in the workplace on various grounds. EEO ensures employers comply with these laws and avoid legal action. Therefore, EEO meaning is not just about fairness; it’s about a growing economy where everyone can contribute what they can to the community and to their family and reach the full potential of their career.
How Can an Employment Lawyer Help?
Being discriminated against at work can be annoying and stressful. In these situations, an employment lawyer can be a big help by guiding and assisting you throughout the legal process.
JB Solicitors’s employment lawyers will help you understand the anti-discrimination law and whether your situation warrants formal legal action. Based on the information and evidence you provide we can assess your case objectively.
Contact us today. Book a consultation.
