Defence Forces Equality, Diversity, and Equal Status Policies 2007

CHAPTER 3
RESPONSIBILTY
3.1 General
The Defence Forces Equality and Freedom of Information Officer is responsible to the Director
of Human Resource Management Section for the Defence Forces Equal Status policy. The
Defence Forces Equality Officer may adopt a participative approach and consult with the
Defence Forces stakeholders in the development and implementation of the Equal Status Policy.
Liaison will also take place with interlocutors dealing with equality, diversity and nondiscrimination.
3.2 General Staff
The General Staff are responsible for implementing the Equal Status Policy.
3.3 Unit Commanders and Section Heads
Unit Commanders and Section Heads and others in positions of authority have a particular
responsibility to ensure that discrimination against Defence Forces customers does not occur and
that equality is promoted. Responsibilities include:
• Provide good example by treating customers with courtesy and respect,
• Promote awareness of the equality policies and procedures,
• Be vigilant for signs of discrimination and take action before a complaint escalates,
• Respond sensitively to a customer who makes a complaint of discrimination,
• Explain the procedures to be followed if a complaint of discrimination is made,
• Ensure that a customer making a complaint is not victimised for doing so; and
• Monitor and follow up the situation after a complaint is made so that discrimination does
not recur.
3.4 Representative Associations
Representative Associations can play a role in the prevention of discrimination and the
promotion of equality, in the provision of services provided by the Defence Forces, through their
information and training services and when representing their members in fora such as collective
bargaining.
3.5 Serving Personnel
All members of the Defence Forces can contribute to achieving a discrimination free
environment and to promoting equality through cooperating with policies and procedures to
eliminate discrimination and promote equality. Discrimination, sexual harassment and
harassment or bullying of Defence Forces customers by members of the Defence Forces will not
be tolerated and may lead to disciplinary action.
3.6 Non-employees
Discrimination against customers or personnel by non-employees will not be tolerated and may
lead to termination of contracts or suspension of services, or exclusion from the premises or the
imposition of other sanctions (as appropriate).
3.7 Communication of this Policy
The Defence Forces is committed to the effective communication of this policy. It will be
communicated to:
3.7.1 Serving Personnel
Current Serving Personnel will be made aware of the policy at meetings and through the
ongoing work of Unit Commanders and Section Heads. New entrants into the Defence
Forces will be made aware of the policy as part of the formal induction process and will
form part of the Defence Forces New Entrants Information Handbook.