Equal Employment Opportunity - New Legislative updates coming into effect as of August 2011

Employers need to be aware it is their responsibility to eliminate any discrimination, sexual harassment and bullying within the workplace. It is critical to promote a safe, fair and enjoyable workplace where all employees are treated equally. Employers are legally responsible for eliminating any un-welcome behaviour in the workplace.

Currently Victorian employers are operating under the Equal Opportunity Act 1995. The new Equal Opportunity Act 2010 was passed by the Victorian Government in the month of April 2010 and will be coming into effect on the 1st of August 2011.

The Victorian Government has tightened the Act by setting out new definitions and strengthening the Commissions responsibilities in eliminating discrimination, sexual harassment and bullying from Victorian workplaces.

“Bullies will face up to 10 years' jail under changes to the new laws to be introduced in Parliament this week, and an industry group wants the laws to be nationwide” (Herald Sun, April 5 2011).

Although this Act refers to the Victorian State legislation only, it is important for ALL owners to understand how to prevent any disputes and to promote Equal Employment Opportunity amongst their employees. It is also important for business owners to know and understand the Best Practice in the Dispute Resolution process.

“Every workplace should have policies and procedures to deal with bullying and harassment, as it's essential for employers to provide a safe and harassment-free environment for all their workers." (Herald Sun, April 5 2011).

In order to keep business owners informed and to remain up-to-date, Key Business Advisors will be conducting an information session on Thursday 1st of September 2011 from 7.30am to 9.00am. Michael Corrigan our Industrial Relations Lawyer, will be facilitating the new legislative changes, looking at ways to prevent and be proactive in eliminating any of this behaviour in your workplace. 

The session will cover the following areas;

• What Discrimination is and what it is within the workplace
• How to eliminate Discrimination, Sexual Harassment and Victimisation
• Clarify what is Prohibited Discrimination
• Prohibition of Sexual Harassment
• The liability for Discrimination and how to avoid it
• The importance of performance management policies and procedures
• How to avoid a discrimination dispute

Don’t miss out on this informative breakfast session on:

Date:    Thursday 1st September 2011
Time:   7.30am – 9.00am
Venue: Quest Flemington, 600 Epsom Road, Flemington VIC
Cost:    $75 inc GST per person. Book by 1st August to receive the Early Bird Special $50 inc GST per person
To Book:  click here