The Commissioner for Equal Opportunity is an independent statutory officer. The Commissioner's office administers the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (SA) and:
- Promotes equality of opportunity between citizens of South Australia.
- Prevents certain kinds of discrimination based on sex, race, disability, age or various other grounds.
- Facilitates the participation of citizens in the economic and social life of the community.
Our legislative responsibilities
Under the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (external site) we can:
- help people resolve discrimination, sexual harassment or victimisation complaints
- educate and inform the community of their rights and responsibilities under equal opportunity laws
- undertake independent reviews of workplace culture in South Australian organisations and businesses
- consult on culture change projects for South Australian organisations and businesses
- partner with academic institutions to undertake research in equal opportunity and related areas
- advise government on legislative and policy reforms relating to equal opportunity.
However, we cannot:
- impose financial penalties on individuals or businesses for any unlawful discrimination, sexual harassment, or victimisation
- lay criminal charges on any individual due to unlawful discrimination, sexual harassment, or victimisation
- prosecute individuals in a court or tribunal
- suspend or remove any licences that are approved by other government departments such as a trade licence
- compel individuals or businesses to undergo equal opportunity-based training
- compel individuals or businesses to implement a policy or procedure change
- side with one party over another in our assessments or conciliatory efforts.
Learn more about the history of equal opportunity in South Australia.