The Draft Policy Framework for Substantive Equality

In order to ensure that the services of the public sector meet the needs of the community it serves, the Public Sector Anti-Racism and Equality Program was established in February 2004 to develop a common policy framework that could easily be adapted by public sector agencies to address the different needs of individuals and groups in the Western Australian community.

The Policy Framework for Substantive Equality was produced after the initial developmental phase of the Public Sector Anti-Racism and Equality Program. This phase involved consultations with workgroups, community and the wider public sector and identified key elements to guide the process and achieve long-term change for implementing the framework.

The Public Sector Anti-Racism and Equality Program

The Policy furthers the aims of the Anti-Racism Strategy to eliminate racism in all its forms and is underpinned by the objectives of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 and the Western Australian Charter of Multiculturalism.

Currently, the Public Sector Anti-Racism and Equality Program is involved in the piloting phase of the program. The Pilot phase will test how each of the key elements can best be implemented across the public sector and integrated into existing structures, functions and practices.

The Policy has the capacity to inform appropriate service delivery needs and can assist public sector agencies to address institutional discrimination. This form of discrimination is not always obvious and resides in the policies and practices of organisations, which may inadvertently discriminate against certain identifiable individuals or groups of people. An important part of addressing institutionalised discrimination is to find ways to recognise the consequences of actions, practices and policies that impact upon different groups and individuals unequally. This involves a shift from “access and equity” that sometimes is conceptualised as same treatment for all, without recognising that individuals and groups of people have different needs.

In order to ensure that all people have access to a public service that best meets their individual needs, the State Government established a Substantive Equality Unit located within the Equal Opportunity Commission.

The role of this Unit is to provide support to public sector departments and agencies in implementing the new whole of government Policy Framework for Substantive Equality. The Policy Framework is an expression of the principles espoused in the Western Australian Charter of Multiculturalism.

For further information contact the Substantive Equality Unit on 9216 3900.