The Equal Opportunity Commission in Western Australia is a government body to investigate allegations of discrimination. To qualify for equal opportunity representation, an individual must represent a minority group that may include racial groups, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, and women. As women make up around half the population, I would hardly call them a minority, but they have a mandate.

The Equal Opportunity Commission has two major roles, that is to encourage recognition including the understanding of the principles of equal opportunity. Laws without education do not end intolerance, prejudice and discrimination in our community, so training is a vital part of the Commission’s function. If a government body is required to intervene, there is already an issue so a proactive approach is required.

There is an element of acceptance required, either an individual or an organisation requires accountability, if they are aware of the potential of litigation, punishment or an adverse finding then they are less likely to engage in wrongdoing. The second is to provide a means of redress to individuals who allege unlawful discrimination. This is the big stick approach, an event has already occurred and requires action in the form of fines, punishment or prosecution. Hopefully it never gets this far, but we all know what really happens.