Discrimination, sexual harassment and human rights when providing services
Discrimination and sexual harassment
The Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic) protects a number of personal attributes from discrimination in various situations including in employment and in providing goods and services. Your organisation needs to know about the personal attributes and the situations covered by the Equal Opportunity Act and also the exception and exemptions that are available. For information on this area of law go to:
As of 1 August 2011, when the new Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic) came into force, there are a number of new laws which affect community organisations - importantly, the sexual harassment provisions of the Act now apply to volunteers (in the same way that they apply to employees).
The new Act also creates a positive duty on community organisations to eliminate discrimination where possible, and makes some changes to indirect discrimination.
The Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission has created a series of fact sheets to help volunteer-involving organisations, and volunteers, understand the new Act. See the links below.
Human rights
Victoria also has a Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities. For more information on how your community organisation can assist with protecting and promoting human rights, go to: