Three Year Strategic Plan

Three Year Strategic Plan Equal Opportunity Commission Victoria 279ce1cc-c660-4895-8889-d46c2d634020.rtf Introduction Welcome to the Equal Opportunity Commission Victoria (the Commission) Three Year Strategic Plan for the period 1 July 2005 to 30 June 2008. The plan presents our vision, mission, values, key challenges, a view of the environment in which we work, critical success factors and a summary of our outreach and policy initiatives. The plan has been informed by:    Commissioners Senior management, supervisors and staff of the Commission Feedback on the services provided by the Commission through forums and questionnaires. People and organisations that provided valuable input include the Indigenous community, people with disabilities, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, the gay, lesbian and transgender communities, lawyers, advocates, trade unions, employer associations and State Government officers. The plan is consistent with the following goals from the Government's Growing Victoria Together Vision Statement:   Building friendly, confident and safe communities A fairer society that reduces disadvantage and respects diversity The plan is also consistent with the Department of Justice Strategic Priorities 2005 by delivering strategies that contribute to the achievement of the Civil Justice Outcome - Promote and Protect Human Rights. 279ce1cc-c660-4895-8889-d46c2d634020.rtf Our mission        We are Victoria's leading Human Rights body, promoting the rights of all to equality and freedom from discrimination, sexual harassment and vilification. We are an independent body reporting to the Parliament of Victoria and administering the Equal Opportunity Act 1995 (Vic) and the Racial and Religious Tolerance Act 2001 (Vic). We provide a free, impartial, accessible, confidential complaint resolution service. We work with communities, business and government through partnerships, consultation, advice and education. We identify and address systemic discrimination. We undertake research and policy development. Recognising the diversity of Victoria as a key strength, we strive to achieve the right of all people to fully participate in political, social, economic and cultural aspects of our community. Our vision     By 2008, we are a visible leader in promoting and protecting human rights, inspiring Victorians to assert their rights and embrace diversity. We are recognised as working effectively to eliminate discrimination. We have a strong community relationship and our best practice services are widely sought by Government, private sector and communities. We are passionate about our work and its challenges. We respect, trust and acknowledge eachother and make a real difference. Our values We, the Commissioners and Staff of the Equal Opportunity Commission Victoria:      Act with integrity in all we do Treat everyone fairly and with respect Empower the people we represent Innovate in pursuit of excellence Are accessible and responsive 279ce1cc-c660-4895-8889-d46c2d634020.rtf Environment in which we work The Commission is alert to global and local trends that will impact on society and our work. We seek to clearly understand these trends and develop proactive, and responsive strategies. Internationally, there is increased public concern about security that relates to personal and work related activities. There is increasing concern about racism, sexism and environmental issues, against a backdrop of international instability exacerbated by threats of terrorism. Globalisation will inevitably lead to greater mixes of cultures and religions, and the blends of old and new forms of religion will challenge our view of what constitutes vilification. Technological development is a major driver for change which affects our perception of being part of a global community. It will continue to have an impact on work and communications, and will determine how we store and distribute information. Biotechnologies will continue to create opportunities and challenges and their use will be monitored to ensure that discriminatory behaviour or human rights breaches do not arise. The changing demographic face of Australia will have an impact on all areas of our lives. There is significant ageing in the Australian population, single person households are predicted to contribute to up to 30% of all households within 20 years, and the role of immigration in terms of our economic future is likely to increase. In contrast, our Indigenous population is growing and is consequently younger. At the Federal Government level, there have been significant changes to the administrative arrangements for Indigenous people, significant changes in labour laws and the industrial relations framework, significant issues associated with the treatment of refugees, delays in implementation of disability standards and significant erosion of human rights and limitations on human rights bodies. The State Government has an increasing awareness of social disadvantage with an emphasis on addressing and preventing problems. There is a whole of Government approach to problem solving and an emphasis on partnerships and harmonisation of policies and procedures. Priority is given to regional access to services particularly for disadvantaged Victorians. The profile of human rights is raised as the Government proceeds with a consultation about a Charter of Human Rights. Two significant events in the near future are the conduct of the Commonwealth Games in March 2006, which may form a lightning rod for social justice , and the State Election in November 2006. Systemic discrimination remains entrenched in many aspects of work and community activity. At a community level there is a continuing need to utilise partnerships with other organisations to seek redress for breaches of human rights or to offset social, economic or cultural disadvantage. There is a continuing need for the profile of the Commission to be raised with these groups. 279ce1cc-c660-4895-8889-d46c2d634020.rtf Critical Success Factors The following factors have been identified as critical to achieving the Vision of the Commission in promoting human rights and reducing discrimination. 1 Lead and influence the human rights agenda Strategy  Create and maximise opportunities for change through the Victorian Government's Social Policy and Justice Statements  Develop and utilise data and research from every part of the organisation to address systemic discrimination  Influence state and federal law reform and policy objectives to promote human rights 2 Optimise our relationships to make a difference Strategy  Be accessible to all Victorians particularly rural, CALD, Indigenous and those members of our community with disabilities  Develop strategic relationships with community, government, business and unions to achieve change  Deliver on all Commission Reconciliation Statement, Multicultural Act and Disability Access Plan commitments 3 Build and project our profile and recognition of our work Strategy  Promote the services and achievements of the Commission  Increase awareness of rights 4 Achieve best practice in our work Strategy  Proactively review core functions and processes and deliver improvements  Seek and incorporate the views of external organisation and groups in all our work  Utilise electronic communication and advances in technologies to optimise our work  Utilise financial and administrative resources to optimise our practice  Develop a whole of organisation knowledge management strategy  Develop staff skills to achieve our strategic priorities 5 Develop an inspiring work place Strategy  Maintain the commitment and understanding of all staff and Commissioners to our vision and strategic priorities  Create a dynamic and inclusive work environment  Achieve excellence in internal communication, including knowledge sharing and fostering discussion of issues  Clarify role of Commissioners including governance 279ce1cc-c660-4895-8889-d46c2d634020.rtf 2005/06 Annual Action Plan The Commission’s core functions are helping people resolve individual complaints, and educating Victorians about their equal opportunity rights and responsibilities. In addition to these functions, the Commission is committed to addressing systemic discrimination – that is institutionalised or structural discrimination where seemingly neutral practices are absorbed into organisations and viewed as normal, while in fact resulting in discrimination against groups. In the 2005-2008, a crucial focus of our policy work will be to address systemic discrimination. Human rights – leading the way One of the Commission’s critical success factors for 2005/06 is to lead and influence the human rights agenda in Victoria. This means not just the active promotion of human rights through education about discrimination but creating opportunities to ensure that human rights issues have a practical resonance in our daily lives. What we will do  Lead discussions about the proposed Charter of Human Rights and the role of the Commission in any legislative reform  Lead discussion about amendments to the Equal Opportunity Act 1995 to ensure the Commission is better placed to address systemic discrimination  Host the 5th annual Human Rights Oration to focus attention on the issue of racism Racial and Religious Tolerance Act Heightened community tensions have brought the issue of religious vilification and the administration of the provisions of the Racial and Religious Tolerance Act 2001 to the fore. There is a great deal of misunderstanding about the principles and the operation of Act which the Commission will seek to address in 2005/06. What we will do  Redevelop our memorandum of understanding with Victoria Police on the administration of the Act  Participate in State Government initiatives to address community misunderstandings about the Act  Work with church groups to improve understanding of the Act  Continue communication initiatives to ensure all Victorians are aware of their rights and responsibilities under the Act Focus on diverse communities In 2005/06 the Commission will focus on four key areas: disability, culturally and linguistically diverse Victorians, rural Victorians, Indigenous Victorians. We will undertake a range of campaigns and initiatives to address discrimination experienced by these groups. These can be summarised as outlined below. People with disability The Commission is committed to addressing the systemic discrimination faced by people with disabilities. A Disability Reference Group comprising representatives from a range of community groups has been convened to assist the Commission with its work. What we will do  Conduct research and policy work in conjunction with the Disability Advisory Council of Victoria, the Building Commission, the Municipal Association of Victoria to address the planning and regulation of the built environment;  Identify initiatives to improve employment opportunities for Victorians with disabilities;  Hold regional workshops for disability advocacy groups;  Improve communication about equal opportunity rights and responsibilities through a range of accessible formats. 279ce1cc-c660-4895-8889-d46c2d634020.rtf People from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse backgrounds Racism and race discrimination continues to be a major focus for the Commission. The Commission Community Consultant - CALD will play a pivotal role in ensuring that we keep in touch with various community groups, as will the Commission’s involvement in the Cultural Diversity week celebrations in 2006. What we will do  Conduct an anti-racism education campaign in schools;  Address racial intolerance on our public transport system;  Continue communication initiatives about equal opportunity rights and responsibilities in 19 different languages Indigenous people Indigenous people remain amongst the most marginalised and disadvantaged people in Victoria. In 2005/06 the Commission will continue to work with Indigenous communities and agencies in order to ensure our complaints and education services are accessible and relevant. Our Indigenous Reference Group will provide an important sounding board for the Commission’s initiatives. What we will do:  Implement our Reconciliation Statement  Review how Indigenous people use our complaints process and take steps to improve access and support  Report on Systemic Racism and Overrepresentation of Indigenous People in the Criminal Justice System  Conduct an education campaign for landlords and real estate agents Rural Victorians About 20% of complaints to the Commission are from people living outside of the Melbourne metropolitan area. Regional and rural Victorians face a number of obstacles in seeking redress for breaches of equal opportunity laws. These include limited access to our services, concerns of confidentiality and fear of repercussions, particularly in small communities where employment opportunities may be scarce. What we will do:  Pilot a regional service model in two regions  Deliver three training calendar programs in regional Victoria  Maintain our service provision through the Latrobe Valley Rights Centre In addition to our key focus areas the Commission will continue its work in pursuing initiatives to address discrimination against women, young people and gay and lesbian Victorians. Women What we will do:  Host a public forum on work/life balance  Develop a Pay Equity case study to identify effective legislative change  Contribute to the Office of Women’s Policy statewide steering committee on Women and Violence in the Workplace  Contribute to the Department for Victorian Communities Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Women's project. Young people What we will do:  Deliver a Safety in Schools campaign supporting students who belong to marginalised groups, including students who are same sex attracted, Indigenous, refugee, from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds or who have a disability  Work with JobWatch to explore the issues faced by young people in the fast food industry. 279ce1cc-c660-4895-8889-d46c2d634020.rtf Sexual orientation What we will do:  Conduct two workshops with the Australian Research Centre for Sexual Health on same sex attraction  Participate in Midsumma activities  Continue our involvement in the Attorney-General’s Advisory Committee on Gay, Lesbian, Bi-sexual and Transgender issues. 279ce1cc-c660-4895-8889-d46c2d634020.rtf What we do The Commission's primary purpose is to reduce discrimination and assist all Victorians to experience equality. We provide information, training and education programs and resources as well as free and impartial complaint resolution services. The Commission is an independent statutory body, accountable to the Victorian Parliament, reporting via the Attorney-General. Our role and function is defined by the Equal Opportunity Act 1995 (Vic). People with interest in the work of the Commission are:     The people of Victoria, all of whom have the right not to be discriminated against and have a responsibility not to discriminate against others Employers and providers of accommodation, education and goods and services, both public and private, who have particular responsibilities as a result of their work Government in its responsibility to ensure that the laws governing the community provide safety and equity to all members of the community Advocates and non-government organisations as they work to protect and promote the interests of their constituents 279ce1cc-c660-4895-8889-d46c2d634020.rtf Telephone: (03) 9281 7111 - Advice Line: (03) 9281 7100 - Toll free: 1800 134 142 - TTY: (03) 9281 7110. The EOCV complies with Victorian privacy laws and the confidentiality provisions of the Equal Opportunity Act 1995. Our privacy policy is available online at www.eoc.vic.gov.au/privacy or by contacting the Commission. Authorised and printed by Equal Opportunity Commission Victoria, 3/380 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, Victoria 3000. September 2005 279ce1cc-c660-4895-8889-d46c2d634020.rtf