Discrimination in the Law

This Discussion Paper is published by the Committee to assist people and organisations to focus on the issues and then make comments or submissions that are relevant to the Committee's Inquiry concerning Victorian laws (Acts and Regulations) that operate to discriminate, or that may lead to discrimination against any person.

The Inquiry is about discrimination that concerns one or more of the attributes listed in section 6 of the Equal Opportunity Act 1995. Each of these attributes, for example discrimination on the basis of age, is discussed in this paper. The Inquiry is not about Commonwealth laws nor is the Inquiry about matters not relevant to one of the attributes covered in this Discussion Paper.

An electronic version of this Discussion Paper is available on the Committee’s website at www.parliament.vic.gov.au/sarc.

Making a Submission

The Committee invites comments or submissions that are relevant to the terms of reference set out in this Discussion Paper.

Anyone can make a comment or submission. It is not necessary to have legal or other special qualifications. The Inquiry raises issues of importance to all Victorians and it would be helpful to the Committee in its review of Victorian laws to receive the comments and submissions of the community at large, government departments and agencies, organisations and associations.

There is no set format for comments or submissions. Your contribution can take the form of a letter, a short briefing paper or a longer research document that provides details of the Victorian law that you have identified as discriminatory. A person with a disability or impairment may make a comment or submission by audio tape recording or other approved method or through a friend or advocate.

All comments and submissions are treated as public documents/ tapes unless confidentiality is requested.

The deadline for comments and submissions is 5.00 pm on Tuesday 1 June 2004.

The Inquiry Timetable

After the comments and submissions close the Committee may hold public hearings to take further evidence.

It is anticipated that the Committee will table an Interim Report in late 2004 and will then consider any comments or submissions in respect to its interim recommendations prior to presenting a Final Report to the Parliament in early 2005.

Address for Comments and Submissions

General enquiries: Andrew Homer, Senior Legal Adviser, (03) 9651 3612

Email: andrew.homer@parliament.vic.gov.au

Scrutiny of Acts and Regulations Committee
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