Annual Report 2002-2003: Appendices
Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission: Annual Report 2002 - 2003
Appendices
Appendix 1
International Instruments observed
under legislation administered by the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity
Commission
Human Rights and Equal
Opportunity Commission Act
The International Covenant
on Civil and Political Rights deals with many human rights and includes
the right without discrimination to:
- freedom from torture or cruel and inhumane
punishment - equality before the law
- humane treatment if deprived of liberty
- freedom of thought, conscience and religion
- peaceful assembly
- a vote and election by equal suffrage
- marriage and family.
The Declaration of the Rights of the Child provides that every child has the right to:
- a name and nationality
- adequate nutrition, housing and medical services
- education
- special treatment, education and care if the
child has a disability - adequate care, affection and security
- protection from neglect, cruelty and exploitation.
The Declaration on the Rights of Disabled
Persons provides that people with disabilities have the right to:
- respect and dignity
- assistance to enable them to become as self
reliant as possible - education, training and work
- family and social life
- protection from discriminatory treatment.
The Declaration on the Rights of Mentally
Retarded Persons provides that people with a mental disability have
the right to:
- proper medical care and therapy
- protection from exploitation, abuse and degrading
treatment - a decent standard of living
- education, training and work
- due process of law
- review of procedures which may deny them these
rights.
The International Labour Organisation Convention
111 deals with discrimination in employment and occupation. Australian
adherence to this Convention provides that all people have the right to
equal treatment in employment and occupation without discrimination on
the basis of:
- race
- colour
- sex
- religion
- political opinion
- national extraction
- social origin
- age
- medical record
- criminal record
- sexual preference
- trade union activity
- marital status
- nationality
- disability (whether physical, intellectual,
psychiatric or mental) - impairment (including HIV/AIDS status).
The Convention on the Rights of the Child confirms that children are entitled to the full range of human rights
recognised in international law (subject to limitations relating to their
capacity to exercise these rights and to the responsibilities of families).
The Convention also recognises a range of rights relating to the special
needs of children. It seeks to ensure that the protection of these rights
in law and practice is improved.
The Declaration on the Elimination of All
Forms of Intolerance and of Discrimination Based on Religion or Belief became part of the definition of human rights for the purposes of
the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Act on 24 February 1994. The Declaration
recognises the right to freedom of religion. The only limitations to this
right are those prescribed by law and which are necessary to protect public
safety, order, health, morals or the fundamental rights and freedoms of
others.
Racial Discrimination Act
The International Convention on the Elimination
of All Forms of Racial Discrimination aims at the elimination of
all forms of racial discrimination in order to promote understanding between
races and provide freedom from racial segregation. It is entered into
force for Australia by the Commonwealth Racial Discrimination Act 1975
in which it is scheduled.
Sex Discrimination Act
The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms
of Discrimination Against Women and certain aspects of the International
Labour (ILO) Convention 156 are multilateral agreements adopted under
the auspices of the General Assembly of the United Nations in 1979. The
Conventions recognise the civil, political, economic, social and cultural
rights of women. The Commonwealth Sex Discrimination Act 1984 implemented the Convention into Australian law.
Appendix 2
Commission publications released during 2002–03
General
Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission Annual Report 2001–02 (tabled report)
The Complaint Guide: An introduction
for people considering making a complaint, or responding to a complaint
before the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission (updated)
Indigenous Complaints Guide: Discrimination
- Know Your Rights
Change and Continuity: Review of the
Federal Unlawful Discrimination Jurisdiction
Review of Changes to the Administration of Federal
Anti-Discrimination law: Reflections on the initial period of operation
of the Human Rights Legislation Amendment Act (No.1) 1999 (Cth)
2002 Human Rights Award and Medals brochure
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social
Justice
Social Justice Report 2002 (tabled report)
Native Title Report 2002 (tabled report)
Development and Indigenous Land: A Human Rights
Approach
Native Title and Human Rights –
General Pamphlet about Native Title
Benchmarking Reconciliation and Human Rights –
Workshop report,
November 2002
Disability Rights
Don’t Judge What I Can Do By What You
Think I Can’t: Ten years of achievements using Australia’s
Disability Discrimination Act
Human Rights
A report on visits to immigration detention facilities
by the Human Rights Commissioner (2001)
HREOC Report No. 19 – Report of inquiries
into complaints of discrimination in employment on the basis of criminal
record – Mr Mark Hall v NSW Thoroughbred Racing Board (2002)
HREOC Report No. 20 – Report of inquiries
into complaints of discrimination in employment on the basis of criminal
record – Ms Renai Christensen v Adelaide Casino Pty Ltd (2002)
HREOC Report No. 21 – Report of an inquiry
into a complaint by six asylum seekers concerning their transfer from
immigration detention centres to State prisons and their detention in
those prisons (2002)
HREOC Report No. 22 – Report of an inquiry
into a complaint by Mr XY concerning his continuing detention despite
having completed his criminal sentence (2002)
HREOC Report No. 23 – Report of an inquiry
into a complaint by Mr Hassan Ghomwari concerning his immigration detention
and the adequacy of the medical treatment he received while detained (2002)
HREOC Report No. 24 – Report of an inquiry
into complaints by five asylum seekers concerning their detention in the
separation and management block at the Port Hedland Immigration Reception
and Processing Centre (2002)
HREOC Report No. 25 – Report of an inquiry
into a complaint by Mr Mohammed Badraie on behalf of his son Shayan regarding
acts or practices of the Commonwealth of Australia (the Department of
Immigration, Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs) (2002)
Racial Discrimination
Isma newsletters - No. 1 (May 2003) and No. 2
(June 2003).
Race Discrimination Fact Sheets
Erace forum papers (online)
Cyber-racism background paper (online)
Cyber-racism Symposium report (online)
Sex Discrimination
A Time to Value: Proposal for a Paid Maternity
Leave scheme
Appendix 3
Freedom of Information
The Freedom of Information Act gives the general
public legal access to government documents.
Freedom of Information statistics
During 2002–03, the Commission received
13 requests for access to documents under the Freedom of Information Act:
- All requests for access to documents related
to complaints. - Two of the requests were discontinued.
A total of nine applications were processed.
Categories of documents
Documents held by the Commission relate to:
- administration matters, including personnel,
recruitment, accounts, purchasing, registers, registry, library records
and indices; - complaint handling matters, including the investigation,
clarification and resolution of complaints; - legal matters, including legal documents, opinion,
advice and representations; - research matters, including research papers
in relation to complaints, existing or proposed legislative practices,
public education, national inquiries and other relevant issues; - policy matters, including minutes of Commission
meetings, administrative and operational guidelines; - operational matters, including files on formal
inquiries; and - reference materials, including press clippings,
survey and research materials, documents relating to conferences, seminars
and those contained in the library.
Freedom of Information procedures
Initial inquiries about access to Commission documents
should be directed to the Freedom of Information Officer by either telephoning
(02) 9284 9600 or by writing to:
Freedom of Information Officer
Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission
GPO Box 5218
Sydney, NSW 1042
Procedures for dealing with Freedom of Information
requests are detailed in section 15 of the Freedom of Information Act.
A valid request must:
- Be in writing
- Be accompanied by a payment of $30 application
fee - Include the name and address of the person
requesting
the information - Specify the documents to be accessed
- Be processed within 30 days of receipt.
Appendix 4
The Complaint Handling Process
* When complaints under the Racial, Sex
and Disability Discrimination Acts are terminated, the complainant may
apply to have the allegations heard and determined by the Federal Court
or the Federal Magistrates Service.
** Complaints under the Human Rights and
Equal Opportunity Commission Act concerning discrimination in employment
or a breach of human rights, which cannot be conciliated, cannot be taken
to the Federal Court. If the President is satisfied that the subject matter
of the complaint constitutes discrimination or a breach of human rights
these findings are reported to the Attorney-General for tabling in Parliament.
Appendix 5
Human resources and administrative services
Performance management and staff development
The Commission’s Performance Management Scheme
provides a framework to manage and develop our staff to achieve our corporate
objectives. The scheme provides regular and formal assessment of an employee’s
work performance and allows for access to training and skill development.
The Commission’s Certified Agreement recognises
the need to provide adequate training for staff to support workplace changes.
This is especially relevant with changes in the information technology
area where staff are provided with relevant and ongoing computer training.
As part of the Commission’s staff development
strategy, staff are provided with support under our Studies Assistance
policy. The policy provides for access to study leave where study is relevant
to the work of the Commission, an individual’s work responsibilities
and where it assists with career development.
Workplace diversity and equal employment opportunity
The Commission recognises that diversity in our staff
is one of our greatest strengths and assets and is committed to valuing
and promoting the principles of workplace diversity through our work practices.
The Commission’s Workplace Diversity Plan has been in operation
since September 1999 and was reviewed in 2002–03 by the Workplace
Diversity Committee, which assessed that the majority of performance indicators
were being met. In the latter part of 2003 the Committee will develop
a new Workplace Diversity Plan. Committee members attended a workshop
on the retention and recruitment of Indigenous staff and will develop
strategies for the plan.
Cultural awareness training was held for all Commission
staff in July 2002 and staff also celebrated NAIDOC week and the International
Day for People with Disabilities during the year. The Commission again
supported an Indigenous trainee under a 12-month training program as part
of the Commission’s Indigenous employment strategy to assist in
the employment and development of Indigenous staff. Other strategies under
the plan include supporting staff with family responsibilities, such as:
part-time work and supporting employment opportunities for people with
disabilities.
Occupational health and safety
The Commission’s Health and Safety Committee includes
a staff health and safety representative and four corporate support staff
who met regularly through the year. A hazards survey was conducted in
November 2002 and no major problems were identified. The Committee monitor
any OH&S issues that arise and personnel staff attend COMCARE forums.
Ongoing assistance and support on OH&S and ergonomic issues is provided
to new and existing staff. There have been no dangerous accidents or occurrences
reported.
The Commission continues to provide staff with access
to counselling services through its Employee Assistance Program. This
is a free, confidential service for staff and their families which provides
counselling on personal and work-related problems if required.
Workplace relations and employment
Staff at the Commission are employed under section 22
of the Public Service Act 1999. The Commission’s current
Agreement was certified by the Australian Industrial Relations Commission
on 19 December 2002 and is in operation until 15 July 2005. The Agreement
is comprehensive and was certified under section 170LJ of the Workplace
Relations Act 1976.
The number of Commission employees covered by the Agreement
as at 30 June 2002 was 109, including both ongoing and non-ongoing staff.
Productivity savings funded a 12 percent salary increase to staff, delivered
in three instalments over the life of the Agreement. Redundancy benefits
were changed, with a reduction to the retention periods from 13 and seven
months to three months and an early separation payment in lieu of notice
periods. Travelling allowances were aligned to the Australian Taxation
Office’s rulings on reasonable daily travel allowance and a private
non-commercial rate for travelling allowance was introduced. The Agreement
maintains core employment conditions and supports family friendly policies.
Staff are able to purchase additional leave and access further benefits
such as salary packaging and cashing out five days recreation leave (subject
to conditions). Salary progression within classification levels is subject
to performance assessment. Salary ranges are reflected in the table below.
The Commission has five staff covered by Australian Workplace Agreements,
including one Senior Executive level staff member.
The Commission provides corporate support to the Office
of the Federal Privacy Commissioner (OFPC). The OFPC is co-located with
the Commission and has negotiated a Memorandum of Understanding for the
provision of corporate support.
Staffing overview
The Commission’s average staffing level for 2002–03
was 95 staff with a turnover of 14 percent for ongoing staff. This was
a similar turnover to the two previous financial years. In order to meet
some short-term staffing needs for the year additional non-ongoing staff
were employed. An overview of the Commission’s staffing profile
as at 30 June 2003 is summarised in the table below.
| Classification | Male | Female | Full-time | Part-time | Total Ongoing |
Total non- Ongoing |
| Statutory Office Holder |
3
|
1
|
3
|
1
|
|
4
|
| SES Band |
1
|
1
|
1
|
|||
| SES Band 1 |
||||||
| EL 2 above the barrier ($87 025) |
2
|
1
|
1
|
2
|
||
| EL 2 ($72 425 - $83 412) |
9
|
10
|
17
|
2
|
18
|
1
|
| EL 1 ($62 796 - $68 863) |
6
|
10
|
12
|
4
|
13
|
3
|
| APS 6 ($50 202 - $56 268) |
5
|
22
|
26
|
1
|
21
|
6
|
| APS 5 $45 352 - $48 984) |
4
|
3
|
6
|
1
|
3
|
4
|
| APS 4 ($40 661 - $44 149) |
0
|
10
|
9
|
1
|
5
|
5
|
| APS 3 ($36 483 - $39 376) |
2
|
12
|
10
|
4
|
9
|
5
|
| APS 2 ($32 913 -$35 519) |
1
|
4
|
4
|
1
|
4
|
1
|
| APS 1 ($28 303 - $31 280) |
2
|
2
|
1
|
3
|
2
|
2
|
| TOTAL |
32
|
77
|
90
|
19
|
78
|
31
|
Consultancy services
During 2002–03 the Commission used a range of
consultancy services where there was, for example, a need for rapid access
to latest technology and experience in its application; lack of in-house
resources; the need for independent study; or a need for a change agent
or facilitator. There were 12 consultants under engagement during the
financial year and total payments of $350,686.03 were made to consultants.
A full listing of the names and amounts is available on the Commission
website at www.humanrights.gov.au.
Purchasing
The Commission’s purchasing procedures are based
on the Commonwealth Procurement Guidelines issued by the Department of
Finance and Administration. The procedures address a wide range of purchasing
situations, allowing managers to be flexible when making purchasing decisions
whilst complying with the Commonwealth’s core principle of value
for money.
Ecologically sustainable development and environmental
performance
The Commission uses energy saving methods in its operations
and endeavours to make the best use of resources.
The Commission has implemented a number of environmental
initiatives to ensure issues of environmental impact are addressed. Waste
paper, cardboard, printer cartridges and other recyclable materials are
recycled subject to the availability of appropriate recycling schemes.
Preference is given to environmentally sound products when purchasing
office supplies. Purchase and/or leasing of “Energy Star”
rated office machines and equipment is encouraged, as are machines with
‘power save’ features.
Fraud control
The Commission has prepared a fraud risk assessment
and fraud control plan and has procedures and processes in place to assist
in the process of fraud prevention, detection, investigation and reporting
in line with the Commonwealth Fraud Control Guidelines. The Fraud Control
Plan is made available electronically to all Commission staff.
Commonwealth Disability Strategy
The Commission along with all other Australian Government
agencies reports against the CDS performance framework annually. Full
details on the CDS can be found on the Department of Family and Community
Services website at www.facs.gov.au/disability/cds.
Through the CDS, the government seeks to ensure its
policies, programs and services are as accessible to people with disabilities
as they are to all other Australians. This of course is integral to the
work of the Commission and evident in the work we do. The CDS identifies
five core roles that may be relevant to the agency. The Commission’s
primary roles are that of policy adviser, service provider and employer.
Full details on the policies and services highlighted in the appendices
can be found within the relevant section of the Annual Report.
The Commission’s last Disability Action Plan was
reviewed in 2001 and this can be found on the Commission’s website.
The Commission is in the process of developing a new action plan. The
Commission is committed to implementing best practices in providing and
improving access to its services for people with disabilities. In particular,
our Complaint Handling processes, online access to our services, website
and education material, and consultation with disability groups provide
examples of what we are doing to achieve this. Further details of these
can be found within the Annual Report.
COMMONWEALTH DISABILITY STRATEGY PERFORMANCE
REPORTING JUNE 2003
Further details on programs and policies outlined against
the performance indicators can be found in the relevant section of the
annual report.
Policy Advisor Role
Performance Indicator 1:
New or revised policy/program assess impact on the lives
of people with disabilities prior to decision
Performance measure
- Percentage of new or revised policy/program proposals
that document that the impact of the proposal was considered prior to
the decision making stage.
Current level of performance 2002–03
- Commission public inquiries and exemption applications
target people with disabilities to seek views on the issue before finalisation.
In the Disability Discrimination Unit (DDU) compliance is 100 percent.
- National peak disability groups and selected
regional groups are consulted on new projects in development phase to
seek their views on impact. In the DDU compliance is 100 percent
- All submissions to inquiries are taken in a range
of formats, including verbal/audio (transcribed by the Commission),
email, and handwritten letters. All new initiatives
are made available publicly through the Commission’s website and
key disability organisations are informed of developments through the
Commission’s mailing lists
- Views on Commission projects are sought through extensive
use of e-based, networks including disability specific discussion groups
and bulletin boards.
- Disability-related email discussion lists are monitored
for relevant policy issues and are used to announce calls for submissions.
- 100 percent compliance in the DDU.
Performance Indicator 2:
People with disabilities are included in consultation
about new or revised policy/program proposals
Performance measure
- Percentage of consultations about new or revised
policy/ program proposals that are developed in consultation with people
with disabilities.
Current level of performance 2002–03
- Where consultation on any DDU policy/program
occurs the views of people with disabilities are sought through direct
contact with representative organisations and through invitation to
respond through the Commissions website. Examples include the development
of the Standard on Access to Premises and the Agreement with TV Broadcasters
to Increased Captioning. Full details can be found in the Annual Report.
- Public consultation events all occur in accessible
venues with hearing augmentation and sign language interpreters available.
- 100 percent compliance.
Performance Indicator 3:
Public announcements of new, revised or proposed policy/program
initiatives are available in accessible formats for people with disabilities
in a timely manner
Performance measure
- Percentage of new, revised or proposed policy/program
announcements available in a range of accessible formats.
- Time taken in providing announcements in accessible
formats.
Current level of performance 2002–03
- All information about new Commission initiatives
is available on a W3C/WAI compliant website simultaneous with public
release. For more information on accessibility compliance refer to http://www.w3c.org.
Performance measure for web release = 100 percent.
- 100 percent of announcements and information material
available in accessible electronic format.
- 100 percent available in standard print, large print,
audio and Braille on request.
- Time taken to produce in other than electronic format
varies according to size of document, but generally within seven days.
- E-mail lists deliver information and links to several
thousand subscribers. All national disability peak organisations subscribe
to this list.
Provider Role
Further details on the Commission’s Complaint
Handling function, with a full description of its services and relevant
statistics can be found in the Complaint Handling Section of the Annual
Report.
Performance Indicator 1:
Complaints information service provides information
about complaint handling service to people with disabilities
Performance measure
- Complaints information service accessible to people
with disabilities.
- Number of calls/e-mails/visits to complaints information
service related to disability issues.
- Number of groups that attended Complaint Handling
information session, or were visited by the Complaint Handling Section
(CHS) during regional and interstate visits included disability advocacy
and disability legal services.
Current level of performance 2002–03
- Commission complaints information is available in
electronic and alternative formats. E-mail facility and accessible online
complaint form for the lodgement of complaints is available. Telephone
and TTY facilities are available with a national 1300 number at local
call cost.
- All Complaint Handling brochures and publications
are available on the Commission website in accessible electronic format
and are available in alternative formats on request. Information about
the complaints process and legislation is available in plain English
format on the Commission’s website. The website is updated regularly.
- 21 percent of phone/email/written enquiries to the
CIS related to disability issues.
- 172 groups attended a CHS session or were visited
by CHS staff.
- A Complaints information referral list is updated
regularly to ensure callers with disabilities can be referred to appropriate
advocacy groups and other appropriate services.
Goals 2003–04
- Increase targeted community education and liaison
to disability groups and advocacy organisations in all states in particular
regional areas.
- Development of an easy English information sheet
about the complaint process for use by people with intellectual disabilities.
Performance Indicator 2:
Complaint handling service accessible to people with
disabilities
Performance measure
- Number of complaints received under the DDA.
- Number of complaints lodged by people with disabilities
under all legislation administered by the Commission.
- Number of complainants who identify the need for
specific assistance on intake form.
- Complaints received about accessibility of service.
Current level of performance 2002–03
- 492 complaints were received under DDA legislation
for 2002–03. Refer to the Complaints handling section of the Annual
Report for further details.
- Complaints were received from people identifying
as having a disability under all Acts administered by the Commission.
52 percent of responses to a demographics question indicated the complainant
had a disability.
- 53 requests for assistance were recorded, including
assistance with language interpreters and sign language interpreters,
TTY, and assistance with writing.
- There were no formal complaints received regarding
accessibility of the Commission complaint handling service or premises.
Performance measure = 100 percent.
- The Commission’s premises are accessible.
Premises used for remote conciliations conferences are accessible. Performance
measure = 100%.
- The Complaint Handling Section (CHS) Access Committee
reviews access to the CHS service by the community, including specific
focus on people with disabilities. Further details are available in
the Annual Report.
Performance Indicator 3:
Staff training and development, includes training related
to people with disabilities
Performance measure
- Percentage of training programs that include
information regarding people with disabilities and relevance to complaint
handling processes.
Current level of performance 2002–03
- CHS investigation and conciliation training
courses include specific training on accommodating people with disabilities
in the complaint handling investigation and conciliation processes.
Performance measure = 100 percent.
- Ad hoc CHS training sessions specifically
address relevance to people with disabilities who use complaint handling
services. Performance measure = 100 percent.
- CHS Complaint Handling Manual advises staff
to consider reasonable accommodation for people with disabilities is
provided during the investigation and conciliation process, such as
provision of Auslan interpreters, use of TTY, use of alternative formats
for information. Performance measure = 100 percent.
Performance Indicator 4:
Complaint mechanism in place to address concerns raised
about service and addresses requirements of people with disabilities
Performance measure
- Established complaint/grievance mechanism in operation.
Detailed in Charter of service which is provided to all parties to a
complaint and available on website. Provided in alternative format on
request.
Current level of performance 2002–03
- Charter of Service addresses roles and responsibilities
of HREOC and parties.
- One complaints about accessibility of service or
disability related issues were received under the Charter in the year.
- Performance measure = 99 percent.
Employer Role
Performance Indicator 1:
Employment policies, procedures and practices comply
with the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act 1992
Performance Measure
- Number of employment policies, procedures and practices
that meet the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act 1992.
Current level of performance 2002–03
- The Corporate Plan includes reference to APS values
and social justice principles to ensure access to the Commission’s
services.
- The Commission’s Certified Agreement 2002–2005
contains reference to Workplace Diversity principles. Most of the Commission’s
policies on employment are contained within the Certified Agreement.
- The Workplace Diversity Plan (WDP) outlines strategies
to maximise employment opportunities for people with disabilities. All
new staff on induction are provided with a copy of the WDP.
- The E-mail/internet policy is reviewed annually.
It specifically refers to the inappropriate use of emails that may demean
people with disabilities.
- No formal complaints/grievances made by staff with
disabilities with regard to current work practices.
- Reasonable adjustment principles are adhered to
in the modification of an employees duties in the workplace. Two employees
have been provided with special voice activated software to enable them
to undertake their duties.
Performance Indicator 2:
Recruitment information for potential job applicants
is available in accessible formats on request
Performance measure
- Percentage of recruitment information requested
and provided in alternate electronic formats and accessible formats
other than electronic.
- Average time taken to provide accessible information
in electronic formats and formats other than electronic.
Current level of performance 2002–03
- Performance in providing accessible formats for
recruitment material = 100 percent.
- Applicants are advised on the Commission’s
website that recruitment information is able to be provided in any format.
All recruitment material is on the Commission’s website and available
by download simultaneously as advertising in the press. Advertisements
in the press advise that information is available at contact phone no,
by TTY phone and on the Commission’s website. The Commission website
meets the criteria for accessibility as outlined in the Government Online
Strategy. The Jobs page at www.humanrights.gov.au/jobs/index.html received
approx 49 265 page views during the period 1 July 2002 – 30 June
2003.
- There were no requests for Braille during 2002–03.
The Commission is able to supply any requests within three to seven
days.
Actions for 2002–03
- Monitor use of the website and requests for alternate
formats.
Performance Indicator 3:
Agency recruiters and managers apply the principle of
reasonable adjustment
Performance measure
- Percentage of recruiters and managers provided with
information on reasonable adjustment.
Current level of performance 2002–03
- Selection guidelines include information on reasonable
adjustment and guidelines for interviewing staff with disabilities.
- Recruitment action is managed internally and not
outsourced and all committees are provided with selection information
on reasonable adjustment.
Performance Indicator 4:
Training and development programs consider the needs
of staff with disabilities
Performance measure
- Percentage of training and development programs
that consider the needs of staff with disabilities.
Current level of performance 2002–03
- Due to the small number of staff in the Agency,
training is co-ordinated by each of the unit managers under the Commission’s
Performance Management scheme. The majority of training is provided
off-site with external providers. Any in-house training programs recognise
the needs of people with disabilities.
- Training nomination forms include specific
requirements that may be needed such as:- wheelchair access
- accessible toilets/parking
- a hearing device
- sign language interpreter
- an attendant
- a support person
- information in Braille, audio cassette, large
print, ASCII format.
Performance Indicator 5:
Training and development programs include information
on disability issues as they relate to the content of the program
Performance measure
- Percentage of training and development programs
that include information on disability issues as they relate to the
program.
Current level of performance 2002–03
- As noted, above training is coordinated by each
individual section.
- Induction includes information on Workplace Diversity
and relevant legislation that the Commission administers, including
the Disability Discrimination Act.
- The Complaint Handling section conducts training
and information on disability issues for staff.
- Commission staff observed International Day of People
with Disabilities in December 2002 as an activity under the Commission’s
Workplace Diversity Plan and awareness raising for staff.
Actions 2003–04
- An in-house session on disability awareness is planned
for staff.
Performance Indicator 6:
Complaint/grievance mechanism, including access to external
mechanisms, in place to address issues and concerns by staff
Performance measure
- Established complaints/grievance mechanisms, including
access to external mechanisms in operation.
Current level of performance 2002–03
- There is an established process in the HREOC Certified
Agreement 2002–2005 for complaints grievances, which includes
access to external review through the Australian Public Service Commission.
- All staff are advised of access to the Commission’s
Employee Assistance Program and encouraged to use this service when
needed. This free service provides counselling and support for staff
and their families.
- Provision of access to complaints/grievance mechanisms
= 100 percent.
Note: Accessible electronic formats include ASCII or
text files and html for the web. Non-electronic accessible formats include
Braille, audio cassette, large print and easy English. Other ways of making
information available include: video captioning and Auslan interpreters.