Web version  |   Update preference  |   Unsubscribe facebook   twitter   forward email

VICTORIAN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION NEWS
Victorian Equal Opportunity & Human Rights Commission
Discrimination Human Rights
The workplace Training
 
 

19 November 2015

alt

Welcome to our last eNews for the year!

It has been a pleasure to bring you the stories of inspiring leaders that have worked for equality and human rights in Victoria. Our final story for 2015 features Male Champion of Change Clément Michel, the outgoing CEO of Yarra Trams who has worked tirelessly to end discrimination and gender equality and dispell misconceptions about women at work. Read his story.

We've also achieved a big win for women working in the legal sector. A joint initiative alongside the Victorian Bar’s Commercial Bar Association and members of the Judiciary has seen some of Victoria’s most influential law firms make a commitment to address gender inequality in the legal profession. Read more about the Equitable Briefing Initiative – Achieving equitable representation of Victorian women barristers in commercial litigation.

I'd like to take the opportuity to congratulate our very own Aram Hosie, Manager of the Commission's Strategic Projects and Policy Unit, who was nominated for a 2015 Human Rights Community Award. Aram has done tremendous work in law reform for trans and intersex communities and we wish him all the best on the 10 December when the winners are announced.

Keep your eyes out next month for a special thank you message with highlights from the year. 

Enjoy the news,

Kate
 
 

Spotlight on workplace rights

  
 
 
 
 

Clément Michel, outgoing CEO, Yarra Trams
When Clément Michel learnt seven years ago that he and his family would be moving to Melbourne so he could take on the Chief Operating Officer position at Yarra Trams, he wasn’t sure what to expect. He envisioned a young country with progressive thinking, full of opportunities. It never crossed his mind that discrimination or gender equality would be an issue. Read his story.

    
 
 
 

Male Champions of Change call on all leaders to stand up to domestic violence
Some of the nation’s most powerful business leaders have come together to acknowledge domestic violence as a workplace issue. Members of the Male Champions of Change group have worked with experts to create a practical guide for workplaces, calling on all leaders to 'play their part' in reducing the prevalence and impact of domestic and family violence.
 
 
 

Employment conditions during natural disasters and emergencies
Victorians have experienced devestating natural disasters such as bushfires, severe storms and floods which have caused devastation to communities and financial hardship for individuals and businesses. The Fair Work Ombudsman has created a guide to inform employers and employees of their rights during natural disasters, including information on returning to work after injury, carers leave and compassionate leave.
 
 
 

Make sure your business is accessible 
The Come in... we're accessible online resource provides information to businesses - owners, landlords, managers and staff - on how they can improve accessibility to meet their obligations under the Equal Opportunity Act. The resource includes a self -assessment so businesses can find out how accessible they currently are, as well as a suite of fact sheets including one for customers with disabilities.
 
 
 

Getting started: Equal Opportunity essentials for employees, 20 November 2015
Last chance to enrol in Commission workshops for 2015. Learn about discrimination, sexual harassment, bullying and victimisation, what is and is not okay at work, why appropriate conduct at work is important and how to speak up about behaviour you are uncomfortable with or offended by. Register online now!
 
 

Does your workplace support equal opportunity?

Let your staff know by printing out your choice of these new A3 posters!

Pick yours here...
 
 

Commission news

  
 

Action taken to address inequity facing women barristers in commercial litigation

Some of Victoria’s most influential law firms are making a commitment to address gender inequality in the legal profession as part of a new project launched by the Commission.

The Equitable Briefing Initiative – Achieving equitable representation of Victorian women barristers in commercial litigation is a joint initiative alongside the Victorian Bar’s Commercial Bar Association and members of the Judiciary.

Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commissioner Kate Jenkins (pictured above with Federal Court of Australia Chief Justice James Allsop, Victorian Supreme Court Chief Justice Marilyn Warren and Justice Chris Maxwell, President of the Victorian Court of Appeal) launched the initative on Wednesday 11 November.

Read more
 
 

Commission staff member nominated for Human Rights Award
The Commission would like to congratulate Aram Hosie, Manager of the Strategic Projects and Policy Unit who was nominated for a 2015 Human Rights Community Award for his great work in law reform for trans and intersex communities. Winners will be announced at the award ceremony in Sydney on 10 December 2015.
 
 
 

Same-sex couples have the right to adopt
The Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission welcomes the move to legalise adoption by same-sex and non-gender specific couples in the Adoption Amendment (Adoption by Same-Sex Couples) Bill 2015 (Vic) but is disappointed by the amendment to the Bill that allows agencies to discriminate on religious grounds.
 
 
 

New Easy English resource explains your rights when reporting crime
Victoria Police has launched an Easy English resource about people’s rights when reporting crime. The resource is an accessible Easy English guide to help a range of audiences, particularly people with cognitive and communication disabilities, understand their rights and how to report crime. The resource was developed in partnership with the Commission with input from a range of stakeholders.
 
 
 

Smashing Glass Ceilings - an opinion piece by Commissioner Kate Jenkins
2015 Melbourne Cup winner Michelle Payne called out the chauvinism in her sport and won praise and support from many. Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commissioner Kate Jenkins reflects on Michelle's record breaking cup win.
 
 
 

Children’s Rights are Human Rights
Children's Week 2015 ran from 24 October to 1 November, marking 25 years since Australia signed the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. Our research report, Desperate measures: The relinquishment of children with disability into state care in Victoria, is a timely reminder of what has been a hidden problem in our disability system for many years.
 
 

Applications open: 2016 Fair go, sport! schools supported-practice project

Fair go, sport! is about creating safe and inclusive schools for same-sex attracted and gender diverse students through sport and physical education. The Commission is calling for expressions of interest from secondary schools wishing to participate in the 2016 Fair go, sport! supported-practice project.

Successful schools will receive up to $4,000 to implement this project in their school, as well as hands-on support from the Commission.

Read more
 
 

New developments

  
 

New website brings local councils and Aboriginal communities together

A new website has been launched to help local councils work more closely with Aboriginal communities. Developed by Reconciliation Victoria and with funding from Victorian Government, Maggolee, meaning ‘here in this place’, provides information on how each council engages with the Aboriginal community and information on local Traditional Owners and Aboriginal organisations, key contacts, demographic data and services.

The website also includes case studies on how councils can better partner with Aboriginal communities on service delivery, the arts,  reconciliation, land use, planning and cultural heritage, and support Aboriginal employment and economic participation.

Visit www.maggolee.org.au
 
 

LGBTIQ abuse shows it’s time to shift the debate on partner violence
The reality of domestic violence in Australia is more complex than most of us think. A growing body of evidence indicates rates of violence in same-sex relationships are similar to those in heterosexual relationships. Despite this, discussions about sexual and family violence continue to be both gendered and heterosexual, as something that men do to women.
 
 
 

National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) community forums
The Victorian Government has reached a historic agreement with the Commonwealth securing the rollout of the NDIS and is now holding community forums across the state, inviting all interested community members to attend. Hear from Martin Foley MP, Victorian Minister for Disability, Housing and Ageing and the National Disability Insurance Agency about the rollout. There will also be an opportunity to ask questions about the scheme.
 
 
 

Report finds Aboriginal people face "systemic" racial discrimination
An Australian Human Rights Commission report has found that racial discrimination, vilification and social exclusion still affect many Australians and for some people is a constant feature of their daily lives. The study found Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people experienced entrenched institutional racism, especially in the workforce where discrimination continues to be a persistent but hidden phenomenon.
 
 
 

What makes you...? The Australian LGBT happiness survey
The Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society of La Trobe University is conducting the first Australian study to focus on the positive aspects of being lesbian, gay, bixexual and trans (LGBT). The survey seeks to understand what makes LGBT people happy and fulfilled and to identify the challenges and obstacles that may prevent their happiness.
 
 
 

Online resources available for families of children with disabilities
The Commission welcomes two new resources aimed at supporting families of children with disabilities or additional learning needs. The resources are designed to assist families in communicating with schools about their children’s needs and strengths in a constructive manner and promote the development of inclusive school environments.
 
 

Keep Lentil alive at Abbotsford Convent

Lentil as Anything believes everyone has a right to feel valued and respected and that money should help bring people together, not divide us. The not-for-profit community organisation has partnered with community and environment organisations to help 100 refugees, asylum seekers and newly arrived migrants to connect with farmers in the Wimmera area. Help them continue their work and join the campaign to save their restaurant at Abbotsford Convent.

Read more
 
 

Community news

  
 
 
 
 

Social Inclusion Week, 21-29 November 2015
This national celebration aims to ensure all Australians feel included and valued, giving everyone the opportunity to participate fully in society. It’s about connecting local communities, workmates, family and friends to build and strengthen relationships and networks, addressing isolation and exclusion by supporting people who may be unable to help themselves. Check out what's on near you.

    
 
 
 
 
 

Disability Sport & Recreation Festival, 30 November-6 December 2015
Celebrating the International Day of People with a Disability, this festival supports and promotes an active and healthy lifestyle for people with disability. Come along to Federation Square on 3 December for a community exhibition to see more than 30 exhibitors and participate in free try-outs and demonstrations. Featuring activities for all ages and abilities, and the popular Wheelchair Basketball Challenge starring sporting legends and Paralympians. Read more. 

    
 
 
 
 
 

Koorie Art Show, 5 December 2015
The Koorie Herritage Trust's annual event showcases the diverse talent of Victoria's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists in one inclusive space. Artists form all over Victoria have submitted entries into the show and all works will be for sale. For tickets and event details visit the Facebook event listing.

    
 
 
 
 
 

LGBTI Disability Forum, 3 December 2015
Come and celebrate International Day of People with Disability with the Commissioner for Gender and Sexuality Rowena Allen. Led by LGBTI people with disability, the day is an opportunity for people to have their voices heard. The free event includes an education session on disability and sexuality and a closed session for LGBTI people with disability and the Commissioner. Register your interest online.

   http://www.glhv.org.au/2015/11/17/lgbti-disability-forum  
 
 
 
 
 

Purse Project Workshops, November 2015-February 2016
Have you experienced any family violence such as financial abuse in your life? The Purse Project offers women free workshops designed to empower them to take steps toward a stronger financial future by understanding their relationship with money. Sessions are being held in metropolitan and regional centres across Victoria. View workshop dates.

    
 
 
 
Edit your subscription | Unsubscribe facebook twitter forward email