Equal Opportunity Commission

Announcements

Public notice

16 June 2021

Want to learn more about human rights and equal opportunity?

WA Equal Opportunity Commissioner Dr John Byrne is available to speak at public or private events to better educate your audience about human rights and equal opportunity.

State Government officers at the forum beside their banners

News story

2 June 2021

Virtual outreach in the Pilbara

On 31 May the Equal Opportunity Commission, together with the WA and Commonwealth Ombudsman, HaDSCO and the Corruption and Crime Commission ran a virtual outreach forum for community members in the Pilbara from the WA Ombudsman's office in Albert Facey House.

News story

3 June 2021

From the Commissioner - Unpaid work is still work

Volunteer week fell on 17 May this year, it is something we would like to recognise at the Equal Opportunity Commission, although the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (the Act) does not cover volunteers.

What we do

The Equal Opportunity Commission has two major roles. The first is to encourage recognition and an understanding of the principles of equal opportunity. Laws alone do not end intolerance, prejudice and discrimination in our community - so education is a vital part of the Commission’s function.

Community Education trainer taking class notes

Community events, education, training sessions, seminars, workshops and papers are regularly presented by Commission staff. These seek to enhance understanding of the principles of equal opportunity, as well as increase recognition of the provisions contained in the Equal Opportunity Act 1984. Presentations or training by Commission staff may be requested by contacting the Commission.

The second is to provide a means of redress to individuals who allege unlawful discrimination.

The Commissioner can investigate and endeavour to conciliate allegations of discrimination based on one or more grounds of the Act. A complaint must be in writing and can be in a person's first language. The incident or incidents included in a complaint must have occurred less than 12 months before the complaint is lodged. In some circumstances, the Commissioner may consider conciliation can help to resolve a complaint and a conciliation conference will be organised so the parties can participate. Where a complaint cannot be conciliated, the Commissioner will decide whether the matter is dismissed or referred for determination by the State Administration Tribunal. If referred by the Commissioner, legal assistance may be provided to the complaint.