AREEA members are encouraged to provide feedback, experiences and insights as AREEA prepares submissions on two diversity, equity and inclusion-related legislative reviews.

Equal Opportunity Act review – Western Australia

Submissions are due this Friday (29 October) on the WA Law Reform Commission’s (LRC) review of the state’s Equal Opportunity Act.

The LRC released a detailed discussion paper on 31 August containing a number of considerations and questions for interested parties to respond to. Some of the potential areas for reform of the laws identified by the paper include:

• expanding protections to include gender identity;
• including physical features as a ground for discrimination;
• removing the disadvantage requirement for sexual and racial harassment;
• changing exemptions for religious bodies and schools, charities and voluntary groups;
• increasing or removing the $40,000 cap for compensation.

The LRC is an independent statutory authority which examines laws with respect to any matter referred to it by the Attorney General, who in turn tables the Commission’s reports in Parliament. Government considers the recommendations, however, it is not bound by those recommendations.

In its response, AREEA has been working with other business groups in Western Australia to ensure alignment across the business community. Interested members may request a copy of AREEA’s draft submissions for review and feedback via [email protected].

Workplace Gender Equality Act

Separately, the Australian Government has announced a review of the Workplace Gender Equality Act 2012 to further drive gender equality in Australia.

The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet is leading the targeted Review which will consider the current legislation and gender indicators, along with ongoing employer reporting obligations.

“We are inviting input from employers, workers, the women’s sector and non-government organisations, academics, government departments of all levels, and human rights institutions to identify areas of future focus for the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) for the next ten years to achieve gender equality and support the Respect@Work Council,” the Department said.

Minister for Women and Foreign Affairs, Marise Payne, also released a statement on the intention of the review noting it intends to both improve workplace gender equality “while also addressing the regulatory requirements of employers”.

Under guidance of its Australian Women in Resources Alliance (AWRA) Advisory Board, AREEA is preparing a comprehensive submission detailing its members feedback on the Act and how WGEA regulates it, including reporting processes. To provide your experiences and how WGEA can improve its processes, contact [email protected].