HBCAA - Discrimination Policy

DISABILITY DISCRIMINATION

Your Rights and Responsibilities

Hervey Bay Community Access Assoc is an equal opportunity employer. All employees are treated on their merits, without regard to race, age, sex, marital status or any other factor not applicable to the position. Employees are valued according to how well they perform their duties and their ability, enthusiasm and commitment to maintain standards set by the Disability Service Standards and the Hervey Bay Community Access Assoc.

Hervey Bay Community Access Assoc does not tolerate any form of discrimination. The service believes all people with a disability, employees, and volunteers have the right to participate in an environment free of discrimination and harassment. Discrimination undermines proper working relationships and may cause low morale, absenteeism and resignations.

Under Federal and State anti-discrimination laws, discrimination in employment where it is not an inherent requirement of the job, on the following grounds is against the law:

Hervey Bay Community Access Assoc will ensure that all employees, people with a disability, and volunteers are treated equitably and are not subject to discrimination. Hervey Bay Community Access Assoc will also ensure that people who make complaints, or witnesses, are not victimised or not subject to retribution in any way.

Any reports of discrimination or harassment will be treated seriously and investigated promptly, confidentially and impartially. A written complaint is not required.

Disciplinary action will be taken against anyone who discriminates against a co-worker, volunteer or person with a disability. Discipline may involve a warning, transfer, counselling, demotion or dismissal, depending on the circumstances.

Anyone who unfairly discriminates against another person because of their disability or impairment can be complained about and may be liable under the law.

What is Discrimination?

Discrimination occurs when someone is treated unfavourably because of one of his or her personal characteristics. Discrimination may involve:

• Offensive  jokes or comments about another workers racial or ethnic background, sex, sexual preference, age, disability or physical appearance.
• Expressing negative stereotypes of particular groups, e.g. "single mothers shouldn t be working".
• Judging someone on their political or religious beliefs rather than their work performance.
• Using stereotypes or assumptions to guide decision-making about a person s career.
• Undermining a person s authority or work performance because you dislike one of their personal characteristics.

What to do if you are Discriminated against

There are several options. Choose the course of action you feel most comfortable with. Do not ignore discrimination thinking it will go away - often it just gets worse. You may:

• Contact the Manager or a member of the Management Committee.
• Make a complaint under anti-discrimination legislation to the Queensland Anti-Discrimination Commission, Brisbane.