Equal opportunity policy template
A free, ready-to-edit equal opportunity policy template for Australian workplaces. Commit to fair, merit-based treatment, prevent discrimination and build an inclusive culture — no signup required.
Equal opportunity policy
PDF format • Ready to download
By downloading, you agree to our template disclaimer
This equal opportunity policy template reflects Australian anti-discrimination law and Fair Work principles at the time of publication and is provided as a general guide to adapt for your business. It does not constitute legal, HR, or professional advice and should not be relied on as a substitute for advice specific to your business, workforce, or circumstances.
Why your workplace needs an equal opportunity policy
An equal employment opportunity (EEO) policy commits your organisation to treating people fairly and on merit — in recruitment, pay, training, promotion and every other employment decision. It makes clear that discrimination, harassment and victimisation have no place in your workplace.
Australian employers have obligations under both the Fair Work Act and federal and state anti-discrimination laws. A documented EEO policy demonstrates you’ve taken reasonable steps to prevent workplace discrimination — which matters both culturally and as a legal defence. It works alongside your harassment & bullying policy and code of conduct to set the standard for a respectful workplace.
Beyond compliance, fair and inclusive workplaces attract and keep better people. Using HR software to distribute the policy and capture acknowledgements helps you show every employee has read and understood it.
What an equal opportunity policy should cover
The core commitments of a fair, inclusive workplace
Equal opportunity commitment
Merit-based decisions in recruitment, pay, training and promotion.
Protected attributes
No discrimination based on race, gender, age, disability, religion and more.
Anti-harassment & victimisation
A workplace free from harassment, bullying and reprisal.
Inclusion & diversity
Building a culture where everyone can participate and contribute.
Complaint process
How employees can raise a concern safely and how it will be handled.
Roles & responsibilities
What managers and employees must do to uphold the policy.
What's included in this template
A complete framework for equal opportunity and anti-discrimination
Purpose & scope
The organisation's EEO commitment and who the policy applies to.
Definitions
Plain-language definitions of discrimination, harassment and victimisation.
Protected attributes
The personal characteristics protected under Australian law.
Equal opportunity in practice
How fairness applies across recruitment, pay, training and promotion.
Anti-discrimination & harassment
Prohibited conduct and the standards expected of everyone.
Reasonable adjustments
Supporting employees with disability or other needs.
Complaint & reporting process
How to raise a concern and how it will be investigated.
Roles & responsibilities
Obligations of managers, employees and the organisation.
Review & acknowledgement
Policy maintenance and employee sign-off.
Protected attributes and the employee lifecycle
Where equal opportunity applies and what the law protects
Know the protected attributes
Australian law protects people from discrimination based on attributes including age, disability, race, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, marital or family status, religion and political opinion. Reference the attributes relevant to your workplace explicitly.
Apply it across the lifecycle
Equal opportunity isn’t just about hiring. It applies to pay, access to training, promotion, performance management and termination. Make clear that every employment decision is based on merit and the genuine requirements of the role.
Equal opportunity in everyday decisions
Recruitment
Selecting candidates on merit, with fair and consistent criteria.
Pay & promotion
Decisions based on capability and contribution, not personal attributes.
Training & development
Equal access to opportunities to learn and progress.
Reasonable adjustments
Supporting employees with disability or other needs to participate fully.
A genuinely inclusive (EDI) approach goes beyond compliance — it actively builds a culture where difference is valued and everyone can contribute. See related sexual harassment training obligations for the prevention side.
Back the policy with a clear, safe complaint process and apply your misconduct process consistently to any breach. Document training and acknowledgements so you can show the reasonable steps you’ve taken to prevent discrimination.
Who should use this template?
Every Australian employer has equal opportunity obligations
Required reading for managers involved in hiring, pay, promotion or performance decisions.
Compliance resources
Official guidance to help you meet your equal opportunity obligations.
Manage your policies the easy way
RosterElf helps Australian businesses store policies, capture employee acknowledgements at onboarding and keep an audit trail — all in one place.
Related guides & reading
Build a fair, inclusive workplace
Related templates
Strengthen your respectful-workplace framework
Harassment & bullying policy
Set clear standards against harassment, bullying and discrimination.
View templateRespectful workplace policy
Define the everyday behaviour that builds an inclusive culture.
View templateCode of conduct policy
The overarching behavioural standards for your workplace.
View templateEqual opportunity policy FAQ
-
Start with a clear statement of your organisation’s commitment to merit-based, non-discriminatory treatment. Define discrimination, harassment and victimisation, list the protected attributes relevant to your workplace, explain how equal opportunity applies across recruitment, pay, training and promotion, and set out a safe complaint process. Finish with roles, responsibilities and an acknowledgement. This template gives you that full structure to tailor.
-
Equal employment opportunity (EEO) in Australia means giving everyone fair access to jobs and advancement, free from discrimination based on protected attributes. Employers have obligations under the Fair Work Act and federal and state anti-discrimination laws. An EEO policy documents your commitment and the practical steps you take to meet those obligations.
Before you download
General information only — not legal advice
This document is a general HR template provided for informational purposes only. It is not legal advice and may not reflect the latest changes in legislation or apply to every workplace situation. RosterElf Pty Ltd and the template provider accept no liability for any loss arising from reliance on this document. Users should seek independent legal advice and customise the template to ensure it complies with all relevant laws, awards and workplace requirements.