Research, reviews and investigations

The Commission has a role to identify and eliminate systemic causes of discrimination and sexual harassment, and to facilitate compliance with equal opportunity and human rights laws.

It does this through researching systemic issues, reviewing organisations’ programs and practices for compliance, and conducting investigations under the Equal Opportunity Act and the Change or Suppression (Conversion) Practices Prohibition Act.

These functions enable the Commission to shine a light on equal opportunity and human rights concerns, work with organisations to effect real change, and hold industries and government to account.

Investigation: Preventing sexual harassment in retail franchises

In this investigation, the Commission assessed the adequacy of Bakers Delight Holdings’ frameworks for preventing and responding to sexual harassment in its company-owned workplaces and franchise network. This investigation was not launched in response to individual instances of workplace sexual harassment occurring at Bakers Delight.

Independent review into workplace equality in Ambulance Victoria

Ambulance Victoria has engaged the Commission to complete an independent review into workplace equality in Ambulance Victoria, following reports of alleged discrimination, sexual harassment, victimisation and bullying in the organisation.

Review into Sexual Harassment in Victorian Courts

The Commission is supporting a new independent Review, as a research partner, to address sexual harassment in Victoria’s Courts.

Gender pay equity

Our research report examines the barriers to gender pay equality in small and medium organisations. This report fills a gap in research and policy on gender pay inequality, which until now has focused mainly on large employers.

Mental health discrimination in the travel industry

The Commission conducted a major investigation into mental health discrimination by travel insurers.

Independent review of Victoria Police

Victoria Police engaged the Commission to complete an independent review into sex discrimination and sexual harassment in its organisation.

Held back

This research report gathers information about the issues and challenges experienced by students with disabilities in the Victorian school system and identifies potential solutions, consistent with Victoria's equal opportunity and human rights framework, to improve access to education for students with disabilities.

Beyond doubt

This research report documents the experiences of people with disabilities reporting crime and looks at both police practice and the factors that affect reporting.

Aboriginal cultural rights in youth justice centres

How young people in Victoria’s youth justice centres could be better supported to maintain and develop their connections to culture and community.

Unfinished business: Koori women and the justice system

The Commission completed research into the experiences of Koori women and the justice system.

How we use our research, review and investigative functions

Research

We conduct best practice research to build a strong evidence base for protecting and promoting human rights in Victoria.

Reviews

We conduct voluntary reviews of organisational programs and practices to determine compliance with the Equal Opportunity Act and the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act.

Investigations

We conduct investigations to identify and eliminate systemic discrimination, sexual harassment and change or suppression practices, and to assess compliance with the law.

Our EOA investigations policy explains how we will exercise our investigation function under the Equal Opportunity Act 2010.

Our Change or Suppression (Conversion) Practices Prohibition Act 2021 investigations policy explains how we will exercise our investigation function under this Act.

Access all Commission resources

All commission resources from 2014 onwards are available on our website. You can use the filters to search for specific topics, publication years or resource type.

If there is an earlier resource you wish to access please contact our Communications branch.