While our varying experiences will shape how this broad theme speaks to each of us, it is underpinned by truths that are widely accepted and recognised, such as the important role workforce participation can play in supporting good mental health.
The Equal Opportunity Commission’s vision of leading the way towards eliminating unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation is a crucial element of empowering communities.
Under the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 discrimination is unlawful on grounds including impairment, race, sex, and age in a range of areas such as accommodation, education, employment, and the provision of goods and services.
Employment consistently rates as the area in which the Commission receives the highest number of enquiries and complaints in relation to discrimination. The time and effort invested in careers and the ongoing and central nature of work are likely strong motivating factors to pursue an enquiry or complaint when discrimination is experienced in employment.
Employment topping the percentage of enquiries and complaints indicates that in addition to being a support to maintaining good mental health, workforce participation can also represent a significant challenge to maintaining good mental health. This is why it’s so important that employers, managers and all those participating in a workplace strive to make it an environment that is inclusive, free from discrimination and supportive.
