The Equal Opportunity Commission of Western Australia was established in 1985 under the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (WA). It was created to give effect to the principles of the Act: to promote equality of opportunity, help eliminate unlawful discrimination and harassment, and provide fair pathways to resolution where discrimination, harassment or victimisation has occurred.
The Commissioner for Equal Opportunity is appointed by the Governor of Western Australia to lead this work, providing Western Australians with a dedicated statutory body that supports information, education, complaint handling, and practical action to respond to and prevent unlawful discrimination and harassment.
About the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (WA)
The Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (WA) (the Act) is the main law in Western Australia that protects people from unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation in areas of public life such as employment, education, accommodation, the provision of goods and services, and membership of clubs or associations.
The Act makes it unlawful to treat someone unfairly because of certain protected attributes, or grounds, such as sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation and family responsibility, as well as other protected attributes. It also places responsibilities on employers and organisations to take reasonable steps to prevent discrimination and harassment from occurring.
The Equal Opportunity Commission administers the Act by providing information and education, receiving and conciliating complaints, and supporting fair and lawful outcomes in line with the legislation.
The Equal Opportunity Commissioner also works with other government agencies through initiatives and working groups that aim to address the underlying causes of discrimination in Western Australia.
You can view the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (WA) here.
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