The Australian Human Rights Commission has launched a suite of free online resources designed to help promote diversity and prevent discrimination in the workplace.

The Good Practice, Good Business resources were welcomed by business leaders as a necessary step towards simplifying complex issues.

The factsheets give employers practical and easy to understand advice on issues such as race discrimination, employment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, sexual harassment, employment of people with disabilities and many more.

It’s now easier for employers to understand everything from legislation to appropriate behaviour, with these clearly set out standards and tips that are applicable to businesses of all sizes.

Australian Human Resources Institute Board member, Rhonda Brighton-Hall, views the easy to use resources as an important tool for the business community.

“You don’t want to become a doctorate of diversity and inclusion, you just want tools that you can use to open up your workforce,” Ms Brighton-Hall said.

“That’s exactly what’s being provided in these tools. The navigation is simple, the answers are easily found. This is what people want.”

The factsheets can be found under the ‘Employers’ section of the Commissions webpage, which was created to be a ‘one-stop-shop’ for Australian businesses.

In the employer’s hub is also the option to join the new Business and Human Rights Network, which encourages information exchange and discussion on human rights and business.

The Network is open to businesses, employers, academics and civil society members and will host quarterly events to discuss best practices and develop solutions to human rights challenge.

Catherine Hunter, Head of Corporate Citizenship at KPMG said that the Commission’s involvement made the resources reputable and was likely to make the impact reach further.

“The fact that such a credible and important organisation as the Australian Human Rights Commission has issued that guidance I think will be really warmly welcomed by the business community,” Ms Hunter said.

The practical advice offered includes tips such as what to include in a workplace discrimination and harassment policy and how to ensure a fair and equitable recruitment process.

Telstra’s Head of Diversity and Inclusion, Troy Roderick, welcomed the accessibility of the new resources.

“They bring what is sometimes considered to be complex issues into the language of business,” Mr Roderick said.

“Importantly, they will enable business to both realise opportunity but manage risk around being more inclusive and valuing difference.”

Ruby Brown
AMES Staff Writer