Australia is a very tolerant and multicultural society and this is reflected in the workforce. The Australian Government protects workers from discrimination through various Federal and State Acts. These legislative documents make any discriminatory employer open to litigation and very serious charges and help to ensure that all workers are treated fairly.
Employers are required to adhere to Equal Opportunity Policies when hiring and so have to give equal consideration to all applicants regardless of race, gender, religion, disability, sexual preference, age. The Australian and State Governments, as well as many private sector employers also have policies that actively promote the inclusion of minority groups in the workplace.
It is widely acknowledged in Australia that a productive and fair work environment is one that acknowledges diversity and recognises the need to promote equality and discrimination-free working conditions. This combined with the fact that Australia is a very multicultural country, means that virtually all Australian workplaces have a culturally and ethnically diverse mix of employees.
In the Australian workforce it is also a commonly accepted fact, that any racial and gender slurs, or anything that can be interpreted as discriminatory behaviour, are wholly unacceptable. Under Australian law, any such actions - including verbal comments, constitute assault, and are a criminal offence. This means that any persons making such remarks may be charged under criminal law as well as prosecuted under civil law by the victim in order to receive compensation.
Considering that Australia is a very racially, ethnically and culturally diverse country, a great majority of Australian employers are tolerant and open-minded and do not discriminate. This is a reflection of the nature of the Australian population in general.
