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Looking Back to Move Forward: The (D)evolution of Australia’s EEO Regulatory Framework

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 January 2023

Andrea North-Samardzic
Andrea North-Samardzic*
Affiliation:
School of Organisation and Management, The University of New South Wales
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Abstract

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In the context of a 2009 review of Australia's legislation governing framework government equal opportunity for women in the workplace, this article traces the history of Australia's Affirmative Action and Equal Employment Opportunity regulatory frameworks, arguing that there has been a consistent devolution in accountability and responsibility over the years. Whilst there is considerable existing research on EEO outcomes drawing on publicly available reports, the weakness of the reporting mechanism means that evidence of workplace policy and practice has not only diminished but should also be questioned for its accuracy. Drawing from workplace case studies in three sectors, the article draws contrasts between espoused organisational policy and some experiences of women in these workplaces. It is suggested that this and similar evidence of limitations in our current regulatory framework need to be considered by those crafting new legislation.

Type
Symposium
Information
The Economic and Labour Relations Review , Volume 20 , Issue 1 , December 2009 , pp. 59 - 76
Copyright
Copyright © The Author(s) 2009

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