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In Australia, the employee relations sector is experiencing a period of change as significant workplace relations reform continues. These reforms will have a direct impact on businesses in all industries, particularly how they structure industrial agreements, union negotiations, relationships with employees and how this influences your competitive advantage. Our understanding of the limitations faced by clients and the impact of changing laws means the team approaches client issues on an individual basis and we work with clients to provide tailored and innovative solutions. Established in 1871, Freehills now dedicates more than 90 legal staff to its employee relations practice, making it Australia's largest and most experienced. It is considered by many as the leading employment practice in the country. The group has substantial experience across Australia's key industry and government sectors, giving it an understanding of practical and commercial industry concerns. Key service offerings include employment law, workplace relations, equal opportunity, discrimination and diversity, privacy, occupational health and safety and training.

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Significant Changes to Victorian Equal Opportunity Act 2010

On 15 April 2010, the Victorian Government passed the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Act). The substantive provisions of the Act commence on 1 August 2011. The Act introduces new obligations that will impact employers with Victorian or Australia-wide operations, including a new duty to eliminate discrimination, sexual harassment and victimisation.

It also heralds a new era in complaint handling by the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission by giving the powers to investigate discrimination, sexual harassment and victimisation even without a complaint and to issue compliance notices to employers.

These changes may foreshadow the future trend of legislative changes in other states and territories across Australia.

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This entry was written by Kate Jenkins and Lisa Croxford.

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