Victoria paves the way to eliminating discrimination

In April 2010, the Victorian government passed long awaited amendments to the Equal Opportunity Act 1995, which come into force in August 2011. The changes result from a review conducted by former public advocate Julian Gardner. A parallel review examined the exceptions and exemptions. Gardner’s recommendations were aimed at strengthening the Act’s effectiveness in addressing systemic discrimination and promoting substantive equality.Consequently, the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic) (EO Act 2010) introduces unique mechanisms for addressing discrimination which are worth examining in detail. This note considers the amended definitions of discrimination and focuses on the modifications of the dispute resolution process, new measures to promote substantive equality, and changes to the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission’s (VEOHRC) functions.Changes to the exception and exemption provisions were examined in an earlier note.