What is the difference between the Equal Opportunity Commission and the State Administrative Tribunal?
The Equal Opportunity Commission is administered by the Commissioner for Equal Opportunity. The Commissioner has the power to investigate and attempt to conciliate complaints of unlawful discrimination lodged under the Equal Opportunity Act. If a complaint does not conciliate the Commissioner can refer it to the State Administrative Tribunal. The Commissioner has no power to order a respondent to a complaint to do anything to compensate the complainant. The State Administrative Tribunal is independent of the Commission. It consists of a President, who is a lawyer of at least 7 years standing, and 2 members. The Tribunal holds formal inquiries into complaints. It holds a hearing where witnesses are called to give evidence. It makes a determination and if it upholds a complaint can make orders that are enforceable.
