LAW7327 - Workplace anti-discrimination law

Leader(s): Ms Joanna Betteridge

Offered

City (Melbourne) Trimester 2 2009 (On-campus split block of classes)

Synopsis

This unit studies anti-discrimination law and equal opportunity in the workplace at federal and state levels including:

• examination of Acts regulating anti-discrimination in the workplace including the Disability Discrimination Act 1992; Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission Act 1986; Racial Discrimination Act 1975; Sex Discrimination Act 1984; Age Discrimination Act 2004; Equal Opportunity Act 1995; and Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006;
• examination of provisions in the Workplace Relations Act 1996 prohibiting discriminatory termination of employment;
• study of the concepts of direct and indirect discrimination; and
• review of relevant case law.

Objectives

Upon completion of this unit, students should have acquired:

1. Knowledge of the law relating to anti-discrimination, equal opportunity and harassment at federal level in Australia and an understanding of the theoretical and philosophical bases underpinning the legislation.

2. Knowledge of the role of state laws in anti-discrimination;

3. Knowledge of the operation in practice of the law of anti-discrimination and an ability to apply the law to workplace anti-discrimination problems.

4. An understanding of the current and potential issues facing anti-discrimination law and practice in Australia, informed where relevant by international developments.

Assessment

One research assignment (3,750 words): 50% One take-home examination (3,750 words): 50%, In appropriate cases determined by the lecturer where a student has experience in the practice of anti-discrimination law, assessment may be one research assignment (7,500 words) for 100% of the marks.

Contact hours

24 contact hours per semester (either intensive, semi-intensive or semester long, depending on the Faculty resources, timetabling and requirements)

Prohibitions

Students who havesuccessfully completed LAW7129 Law and Discrimination are prohibited from undertaking this unit.