The Commission’s advocacy for substantive equality is strongly aligned with the ideals and the work of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.
The Policy Framework on Substantive Equality (the Framework) promotes achieving equitable outcomes as well as equal opportunity. The Framework explains that substantive equality considers the effects of past discrimination, recognises the uneven distribution of opportunities and access in society and that as a result, the same application of rules to unequal groups can have unequal results. Hence, it is necessary to treat people differently to achieve equality of outcomes.
Reporting indicates few of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap’s 19 targets are on track, starting with Target 1 of closing the life expectancy gap that continues to be off track. Target 2 to increase the proportion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander babies with a health birthweight is an example of one of the few targets that appears to be on track.
The Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (the Act) aims to eliminate discrimination on a range of grounds, which includes race, and in various areas, which includes the provision of goods, facilities and services. Looking through the lens of the Act, it seems reasonable to conclude that racial discrimination in the provision of medical facilities and services contributed to the need for both Targets 1 and 2.
Turning again to the Framework, we see that while formal equality prescribes equal treatment regardless of circumstances, it overlooks the accumulated disadvantage of generations of discrimination. It’s clear that what is needed to achieve the Closing the Gap targets is not formal equality, but substantive equality that delivers equality of outcomes.
The Commission’s program to educate about equal opportunity includes a range of training and information sessions. If you are interested in the Commission delivering a session to your community group, please contact us by email at training@eoc.wa.gov.au or phone 9216 3927.
General information about training offered by the Commission is available on our website - Community Education and Training.
