Function 3: The Commissioner may make recommendations to the Minister as to reforms, whether of a legislative nature or otherwise, that the Commissioner believes will further the objects of this Act.
During 2021-22 the Commissioner made recommendations to the Attorney-General regarding reforms to further the objects of the Act.
Status of Members of Parliament as “employees” for the purposes of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984
| Recommendation to consider legislative change to clarify the status of a Member of Parliament’s employment for the purposes of the Act. |
During 2021-22 the Commissioner (including Acting Commissioners) provided feedback to the Attorney-General on proposed legislative amendments.
Draft Equal Opportunity (Miscellaneous) Amendment Bill 2021
| Feedback provided regarding the proposed inclusion of protections for victims of domestic violence, and mechanisms for dealing with complaints in respect of Members of Parliament. |
Draft Equal Opportunity (Unlawful Acts at Workplace) Amendment Bill 2021 | Feedback provided regarding the proposal to include a positive duty on employers to prevent, as far as practicable, prescribed unlawful acts at the workplace, particularly with respect to sexual harassment. |
Sex Discrimination and Fair Work (Respect at Work) Amendment Act 2021 (Cth) | Feedback on the practical implications of the Act for South Australia. |
In addition to responses to the Attorney-General, during the 2021-22 financial year the OCEO was also consulted on legislative reform through other parties, including in relation to the Local Government Act 1999 (SA) and the draft Aboriginal Representative Body Bill 2021 (SA).