New guideline meant to help employers understand legal obligations under Equal Opportunity Act
The Victorian government has introduced a new guideline to help employers identify and address racism in workplaces.
The Race Discrimination in the Workplace Guideline will assist employers in building racial literacy and enhancing their understanding of legal obligations to prevent and respond to race discrimination under the Equal Opportunity Act 2010.
It will also support First Peoples and multicultural Victorians to fully participate in the workforce and understand their rights, according to the state government.
The guideline, which was launched with the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission, was developed with the participation of multicultural and First Peoples communities and advocacy organisations, community legal centres, and workplace discrimination experts.
Ro Allen, Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commissioner, said the guideline was introduced amid an "urgent need for meaningful change" to address racism in workplaces.
"The Commission is dedicated to supporting employers to do this with the release of this guideline and essential tools to tackle workplace racism and ensure workplaces are safe for all," Allen said in a statement.
In addition to the guideline, the state is also providing policy guides, employee guides, as well as fact sheets that will further support employers in fostering racism-free workplaces.
"Victoria's diversity is one of our greatest strengths, but we know that our multicultural communities face racism and discrimination at work – that's why we are providing practical supports to ensure both our employees and employers know their rights and responsibilities," said Multicultural Affairs Minister Ingrid Stitt in a statement.
According to the state government, the guideline is one of its actions to address and prevent racism and discrimination in Victoria.
