Equal Employment Opportunity policy statement

Kiama Municipal Council is committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO). This is demonstrated by the implementation of its EEO Management Plan, ensuring that all employment practices are conducted without discrimination. These employment practices include recruitment and selection, training and staff development, promotion and transfer policies and procedures, and conditions of service. Council also demonstrates its commitment by ensuring that employees and contractors provide goods and services to the community in an equitable manner.

This council recognises its responsibilities under the New South Wales Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 and associated legislation including the:

• Local Government Act 1993
• Commonwealth Disability Discrimination Act 1992
• Commonwealth Sex Discrimination Act 1984
• NSW Anti-Discrimination Act 1977
• Commonwealth Racial Discrimination Act 1975
• Human rights and Equal Opportunity Act 1987
• NSW Industrial Relations Act 1996
• Occupational Health and Safety Act 2000
• Crimes Act 1996 (NSW)
• Common law (employers' duty of care).

In meeting these responsibilities we are committed to ensuring that, no employee, job applicant, or person in the process of receiving goods and services, will be treated less favourable on the grounds of their:

• race, colour, ethnic or ethno-religious backgrounds, descent or nationality
• sex
• marital status
• pregnancy
• disability (includes past, present or possible future disability)
• homosexuality (actual or presumed)
• transgender (actual or presumed)
• age
• carer's responsibilities.

Potential exemptions from this section may be based on it being a genuine occupational qualification necessary for undertaking a Council position.

All staff will be encouraged to participate in the equal employment opportunity planning and implementation process through their representative on Council's EEO Committee. To ensure all employees are informed of Council's policies on EEO related matters, an ongoing awareness program will be implemented which will include staff training and regular updates at Council's quarterly staff meetings.

Overall responsibility for monitoring the effectiveness of the EEO function which includes Council's EEO Management Plan is vested with the General Manager. With the General Manager, all employees of Council have a responsibility in the practical application of EEO policies and procedures. For EEO to be effectively implemented in Council there must be a commitment from all directors, managers, supervisors and employees responsible for employment practices, and in the provision of goods and services to the community, to ensure that Kiama Municipal Council is an EEO employer.