Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission

Disability Reference Group

Code of Conduct

Revised July 2016

This Code of Conduct sets out expected behaviour of the Disability Reference Group (DRG) members at the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission (the Commission). It explains:

  • what you can expect from the Commission
  • what is expected of you as a DRG member.

About the Commission

The Commission is an independent statutory body. The Commission has responsibilities under three laws:

  • Equal Opportunity Act 2010
  • Racial and Religious Tolerance Act 2001
  • Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006 (‘the Charter).

The role of the Commission is to:

  • research to understand and find solutions for systemic causes of discrimination and human rights issues
  • educate people about their rights and responsibilities under the law
  • help people resolve complaints about discrimination, sexual harassment, victimatisation and racial and religious vilification
  • undertake investigations to understand and find solutions for systemic causes of discrimination
  • review programs and practices when organisations ask us to help them met their responsibilities under the law
  • intervene in court and tribunal cases that relate to equal opportunity and human rights issues.

About the Disability Reference Group

The Commission’s DRG is made up of up to 12 people with disabilities, parents of children with disabilities and advocates. The DRG Terms of Reference outline the purpose and membership of this group and require all DRG members to act in a way set out in this Code of Conduct.

What you can expect from the Commission

The Commission wants to understand and respond to systemic discrimination and human rights issues affecting people with disability in Victoria.

To make the most of the expertise that you as a DRG member offer us, we will do the following:

  • we will respect your rights
  • we will respect your privacy
  • we will treat you with dignity and respect
  • we will listen to the issues that you raise
  • we will make sure that all members can participate in DRG meetings, including making reasonable adjustments
  • we will make sure that the information and background materials that we give you are accessible to all DRG members and easy to understand.

If you require reasonable adjustments to fully participate in DRG meetings, please let Commission staff know in a timely way before meetings so that arrangements can be made.

What the Commission cannot do

The Commission is a statutory body and can only do particular work that the law says that it can do. The Commission can advocate for the law and can respond to issues of systemic discrimination and human rights.

The Commission cannot give legal advice or represent or advocate for parties in conciliation, court or tribunal cases.

What you need to do

To be a member of the Commission’s DRG, you need to:

  • treat all of our staff with respect
  • treat all other DRG members with respect
  • give all DRG members the opportunity to participate in meetings
  • respect the backgrounds, experiences and opinions of all DRG members and Commission staff
  • respect the role and values of the Commission
  • understand the role of the DRG
  • give the Commission feedback in a respectful and helpful way
  • let us know as soon as possible if your circumstances change
  • attend as many meetings as possible and tell us if you cannot make it.

If you require reasonable adjustments to fully participate in DRG meetings, please let Commission staff know in a timely way before meetings so that arrangements can be made.

When the Code of Conduct applies

The Code of Conduct applies to all dealings that DRG members have with the Commission, including:

  • during DRG meetings
  • when you are in contact with staff at the Commission
  • when you are in contact with other DRG members in your role as a DRG member
  • when you are representing the Commission at events.

If a DRG member does not follow the Code of Conduct

If a DRG member does not follow the Code of Conduct, a Co-Chair will inform the member that they may need to modify or change their behaviour to meet the Code. If the DRG member continues to not to follow the Code or if a DRG member engages in serious misconduct, then there may be more serious consequences.

If you are unhappy with the Commission

If you are unhappy with the Commission, please tell us. We want to get better at what we do and we want to resolve your concerns.

If you would like to make a complaint, please tell the staff member responsible first. All of our staff will do our best to resolve your concern. If this is not possible or appropriate, you are welcome to talk to the manager of the team.

You can also contact the Co-Chairs, including the Commissioner. We will manage your complaints fairly and as quickly as we can.

You can also make a complaint about the Commission to the Victorian Ombudsman.