Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission

Full description

Background

Under the Victorian Equal Opportunity Amendment Act 1993 (No. 123) the structure and operations of Equal Opportunity Authorities was reworked. The previous office of Commissioner for Equal Opportunity (VA 1830) was replaced with a five person Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission. The Equal Opportunity Board (VA 1417) continued to operate in an interim capacity until the Victorian Equal Opportunity Act 1995 (No. 42), when its functions were assumed by the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) (VA 4146) through its Anti-Discrimination List.

Function

The Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission deals with complaints under the Equal Opportunity Act 1995 (No. 42), the Racial & Religious Tolerance Act 2001 (No. 47) and the Victorian Charter of Human Rights & Responsibilities Act 2006 through the process of negotiation and conciliation. Unresolved complaints are referred to the Anti-Discrimination List of the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) (VA 4146).

The Commission's role is investigative, conciliatory and negotiation oriented. The Commission is a statutory body that reports to Parliament through the Attorney-General.

Responsibility for the function is held by the Department of Justice (VA 3085)