8. NAT10861007 Utilise ethical standards when dealing with clients

8.6. Principles of non-discrimination, equality and diversity

“In Australia, national and state laws cover equal employment opportunity and anti-discrimination in the workplace. You're required by these laws to create a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. It is important employers and employees understand their  rights and responsibilities under human rights and anti-discrimination law. By putting effective anti-discrimination and anti-harassment procedures in place in your business you can improve productivity and increase efficiency.

The Australian Human Rights Commission has a range of fact sheets to help you develop effective policies and best practice guidelines. The Fair Work Ombudsman provides education and assistance for employees and employers on preventing discrimination in the workplace.

Taking on people facing barriers to employment is often overlooked by employers and can be a useful way of diversifying the skill set within a business. There are funding and incentive schemes available for businessesthat support people with a disability, Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders, the long-term unemployed and the mature-aged.[1]”


Examples of anti-discrimination legislation in Australia:

  • Age discrimination Act 2004 (Cth)
  • Sex discrimination Act 1984 (Cth)
  • Racial discrimination Act 1975 (Cth)
  • Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth)
  • There are also various state-based pieces of anti-discrimination legislation (e.g. Anti-discrimination Act 1977 (NSW)

 



[1] Business.gov.au, (2014). Equal employment opportunity & anti-discrimination | business.gov.au. [online] Available at: http://www.business.gov.au/business-topics/employing-people/Pages/equal-employment-opportunity-and-anti-discrimination.aspx [Accessed 14 Oct. 2014].