Equal opportunity practice guidelines

Equal opportunity practice guidelines are the authoritative and comprehensive guide to the law in Victoria, and best practice in preventing and responding to discrimination, sexual harassment and victimisation under the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (the Act).

Guidelines are issued under section 148 of the Act. While they are not legally binding, they are authoritative – a court or the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal may consider whether employers have complied with our guidelines when hearing a case of discrimination, sexual harassment or victimisation.

The Act requires us to consult widely to ensure that the practice guidelines are relevant and useful for organisations.

The Act allows the Commission to issue practice guidelines on any matter relating to the Act. To date, we have published guidelines on:

• Equal opportunity obligations for the recruitment industry and employers – July 2014
• Family violence services and accommodation – June 2017
• General Practice equal opportunity obligations – January 2014
• Mental illness in employment – April 2014
• Preventing and responding to workplace sexual harassment – August 2020
• Spent conviction discrimination – June 2022 
• Trans and gender diverse inclusion in sport – May 2017
• Transgender people at work – July 2014

We welcome calls from organisations and employers who would like more information about how we can help them meet their obligations under the Equal Opportunity Act.

Contact our Enquiry Line on 1300 292 153 (10am–2pm, weekdays), or email enquiries@veohrc.vic.gov.au