Commission collaboration with legal centre

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The Equal Opportunity Commission has signed an MOU with the Northern Suburbs Legal Centre to provide a community education program based on the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (the Act).
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Dr Byrne and Ms Cokis shaking hands with signed MoU

Dr Byrne and Ms Cokis at MoU signing


WA Commissioner for Equal Opportunity Dr John Byrne said the collaboration was beneficial as it provided the Commission with another avenue for providing information about the Act.

“The Equal Opportunity Commission already works closely with NSLC referring public enquirers there for legal advice.

“It is a logical next step that we use their services to educate their clients about their rights and responsibilities under the Act,” he said.

NSLC CEO Kathy Cokis said the legal centre encapsulates nearly 30 percent of the metropolitan population, with a range of family settings and culturally diverse demographics. 

"It made sense to engage with the Equal Opportunity Commission and the vast array of educative and informative sessions that the Commission offers for the community to better understand their rights and protections against discrimination," she said.

She said NSLC's community legal education lawyer, in partnership with the Commission, will through education promote early intervention and prevention, primarily for community groups but also for agencies in the region where issues such as sexual harassment may need addressing.

"This partnership will have a two-fold effect that I believe will provide long term benefits.

"It will increase our organisation knowledge and capacity on the Equal Opportunity Law in Western Australia and be the conduit for increasing awareness to a substantial number of people who are often vulnerable and in need of social, health and welfare assistance," Ms Cokis said.