Welcome to the NSW Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) website

Public Sector Workforce Office of the New South Wales Department of Premier and Cabinet manages and co-ordinates sector wide EEO strategic policy, programs and advisory functions and develops and implements programs to promote equal employment opportunity for EEO group members.

Agencies and universities operate under Part 9A of the NSW Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 and are required to have EEO management plans to achieve EEO outcomes. These plans are to be submitted to the Director of Equal Opportunity in Public Employment.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) is about:

• making sure that workplaces are free from all forms of unlawful discrimination and harassment, and
• providing programs to assist members of EEO groups to overcome past or present disadvantage

This means having workplace rules, policies, practices and behaviours that are fair and do not disadvantage people because they belong to particular groups. In such an environment, all workers are valued and respected and have opportunities to develop their full potential and pursue a career path of their choice. EEO groups are people affected by past or continuing disadvantage or discrimination in employment. As a result they may be more likely to be unemployed or working in lower paid jobs. These groups are:

• women
• Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders
• members of racial, ethnic, and ethno-religious minority groups
• people with a disability

EEO strategies for these groups include recruitment programs and access to training and career development.

EEO Outcomes in the NSW Public Sector:

• a diverse and skilled workforce
• improved employment access and participation by EEO groups
• a workplace culture displaying fair workplace practices and behaviours

EEO principles, such as merit selection, help the NSW Public Sector to attract and retain the best people from all those available in our diverse communities to deliver high quality services. Public Sector agencies also have a fundamental responsibility to be representative and provide workplaces where people are valued. EEO in the NSW Public Sector is supported by the Director of Equal Opportunity in Public Employment.