Equal Opportunity Update- Is your business prepared for August 1st?
Recent amendments to the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic) may significantly impact your business.
From 1st August 2011, Victorian businesses will be obliged to take positive action to ensure their workplace is complying with Equal Opportunity legislation. Some of the most important changes to the law include:
- Unprecedented obligations on employers to proactively eliminate discrimination, bullying and sexual harassment.
- Greater requirements for businesses to accommodate impaired employees.
- A new definition of discrimination in the workplace making it much easier for an individual to support their case of discrimination.
- Extended powers of the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission and revisions to the dispute resolution process.
Keeping on top of Equal Opportunity changes can be daunting. In order to help you understand the impact of the most recent changes, VECCI, in partnership with CCI Lawyers and Small Business Victoria, will be running briefings across the state. Equal Opportunity Business Briefings are a cost-effective way to understand the new laws and their practical ramifications for your business. Topics covered include:
- Employers' expanded duty to eliminate discrimination, sexual harassment and victimisation.
- Employee access to the Fair Work Ombudsman.
- The new definition of "direct" and "indirect" discrimination in the workplace.
- The extended powers of the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission.
- The removal of the small business exemption and what it means for you.
- Common scenarios and how to manage them.
Combining expert guest speakers with targeted Q&A sessions, VECCI EO Briefings are the ideal forum for you to get key information and tips to ensure your business is prepared and proactive in addressing EO issues in 2011 and beyond.
Who should attend?
Business owners, human resource professionals and anyone who is responsible for managing staff.
Selected locations for these briefings also offer an opportunity to engage with Small Business Victoria’s Mobile Business Centre – click here for more.