Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Workplace Relations

Providing cultural support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the workplace is a key part of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employment Strategy. Demonstrating a respectful and inclusive workplace is core to the strategy.

UWS Policies and documents 

• General Staff Agreement 2009 - 2012
• Academic Staff Agreement 2009 - 2012
• Reconciliation Statement
• Indigenous Employment Policy
• Recruitment and Selection Policy
• Respect and Inclusion in Learning and Working Policy
• Inclusive Language Policy
• Indigenous Education Policy.  

Australian Legislation, Policies and Procedures

Under the NSW Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 and Federal laws, employers and supervisors must treat all their employees, and anyone who applies for a job with them, fairly. In particular, they must not treat them unfairly, or harass them, because of their:

• sex 
• race, colour, ethnic or ethno-religious background, descent or nationality
• marital status
• disability
• homosexuality 
• age 
• transgender status
• carers' responsibilities.

The anti-discrimination laws allow employers to discriminate in favour of some groups over others when it is a genuine occupational qualification to be a certain race, sex or age. In some cases, employers need to apply for and get a specific exemption from the anti-discrimination laws before they can do this. Exemptions are only usually granted where targeting the job to a particular group will promote equal opportunity by helping to redress or correct disadvantages that group may have experienced in employment.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The law states that all NSW and Commonwealth public sector organisations (including NSW universities) must prepare Equal Employment Opportunity plans. These plans are designed to ensure all employees get equal opportunity in the workplace.

They must also pay particular attention to certain groups known to have been disadvantaged in the past. These groups are women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people from non-English speaking backgrounds and people with disabilities.

• More information about Equal Employment Opportunity and affirmative action (Lawlink NSW website)
• Know your rights: A guide for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People (Lawlink NSW website)

For more information contact Melissa Williams Director, Office of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employment and Engagement.

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