The Acts

Discrimination means treating someone unfairly because they belong to a particular group of people. The NSW Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 passed by the NSW Parliament makes the types of discrimination listed below unlawful:

Part 9A of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 is about Equal Opportunity in Public Employment. The purpose of this part is to:

1. eliminate and ensure the absence of discrimination in employment on the grounds of race, sex, marital status and disability, and
2. to promote equal employment opportunity for women, members of racial minorities and persons who have a disability.

Section 122J of Part 9A, outlines the requirements for Public Sector agencies (including Universities) to produce EEO Management plans to achieve EEO outcomes and submit them to the Director of Equal Opportunity in Public Employment.

The Community Relations Commission and Principles of Multiculturalism Act (2000) recognises and values the different linguistic, religious, racial and ethnic backgrounds of residents of NSW, and promotes equal rights and responsibilities for all residents of NSW.

The Act also states how the NSW Government expects public sector agencies, including universities, to meet community standards in service delivery to a culturally diverse society. It also requires each public authority to observe and implement the principles of multiculturalism in conducting its affairs, and to have a Statement to this effect (Ethnic Affairs Priorities Statement) indicating a commitment to supporting these principles.

The Community Relations Commission For a multicultural NSW assesses and monitors the performance of public sector organisations through their Ethnic Affairs Priorities Statement.