The Deputy Premier Rob Hulls has today announced a review of the State’s existing equal opportunity laws, but VECCI is not sure why the review is required at this time.

 

“The existing laws have only recently been amended, and we are not aware of any recent upsurge in complaints that would suggest that new regulation, or enhanced intervention powers, need to be created”, says VECCI Head of Workplace Relations David Gregory.

 

“Nevertheless, if there is to be a review it should have some clear objectives in terms of outcomes.

 

“It should be concerned to avoid duplication with existing Federal protections already in place and to ensure that a consistent national approach is achieved.

 

“VECCI will also carefully monitor any possible move away from a complaints based jurisdiction to one that has new proactive powers to investigate and monitor.

 

“There is always scope to further educate and inform employers and employees about the protections that exist around discrimination in employment - however, in a time where international competitiveness is a major issue for Victorian employers, we would be concerned about having to deal with another potential layer of bureaucracy, regulation and red tape with an ability to review or `second guess' what might be totally legitimate decision making processes in Victorian workplaces”, says Mr Gregory.