Equal Opportunity Act (Victoria)

The Equal Opportunity Act aims to eliminate discrimination, sexual harassment, victimisation to the greatest extent possible, and to promote equality as far as reasonably practicable. It defines and prohibits discrimination in relation to various 'attributes', including sex, sexual orientation, lawful sexual activity, marital status, parental status and gender identity. The prohibitions apply in a range of situations, including employment-related discrimination. Sexual harassment and victimisation are also defined and prohibited. The Act also regulates the operation of the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission (VEOHRC), its powers, and the process by which people may bring disputes concerning violations of the Act to the Commission. After investigating a dispute, the VEOHRC may refer a matter to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, which may order a person to refrain from further violating the Act or pay compensation to the applicant for loss, damage or injury suffered.
 In 2022, the Victorian Government amended the Act to prevent religious bodies and schools from discriminating against people based on the attributes listed above, except in limited circumstances where discrimination is reasonable and proportionate or another exception applies under the Act.