Function 2: The Commissioner may institute, promote or assist in research, the collection of data and the dissemination of information relating to discrimination on the grounds to which this Act applies.
EOSA routinely collects and maintains enquiries and complaints data to support evidence-based service delivery.
In 2024-25, the office continued its data sharing agreement with the University of South Australia to support research into organisational risk factors for sexual harassment. The aim of this project is to explore and transform the risk for workplace sexual harassment and create workplaces characterised by systemic safety. The project will be conducted over three years.
EOSA, along with a number of other complaints bodies dealing with sexual harassment, provided researchers at the University with deidentified complaints data for an Australian Research Council (ARC) Linkage Project titled Cultivating systemic safety to prevent workplace sexual harassment. The data will contribute to the development of an evidence-based risk audit tool for sexual harassment.
EOSA continues to contribute to research led by the Australian Human Rights Commission into workplace sexual harassment. This national initiative is being undertaken in partnership with Commonwealth, State and Territory authorities responsible for equal opportunity, anti-discrimination, workers compensation, and work health and safety.
Further research initiatives will be undertaken on an as needs basis to ensure that reprioritised functions and services remain responsive to community needs and are delivered within budget.