The Western Australian government has unveiled the Equal Opportunity Bill, a reform package intended to modernise the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 and align the state’s legal framework with other jurisdictions. The measure aims to prevent harm and extend protection from discrimination, harassment, and vilification to a broader population.

Expanded Protections for Workers

Premier Roger Cook stated that the amendments mark the most substantial overhaul of WA equal opportunity laws in four decades. The bill deletes the “disadvantage test” from the definition of sexual harassment. This alteration follows recommendations from the Law Reform Commission of Western Australia and the Community Development and Justice Standing Committee in their report ‘Enough is Enough’ Sexual harassment against women in the FIFO mining industry. The objective is to centre on the improper conduct and simplify proving complaints about sexual harassment.

The state government has clarified that the legislation allows individuals to lodge complaints with the equal opportunity commissioner for vilification related to disability, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or sex. Additionally, the bill bars discrimination against people exposed to family and domestic violence or engaged in trade union activity. The government added that the legislation seeks to encourage adherence to equal opportunity laws across all workplaces and provide a straightforward avenue for redress for those facing antisemitism, Islamophobia, or other forms of hatred, threats, or severe abuse.

End of Judicial Immunity

The government emphasized that the Law Reform Commission’s 2022 review of the relevant legislation and regulations guided the development of the Equal Opportunity Bill. An article in The Law Society of Western Australia Journal stated that the Law Society will collaborate with the State Government on behalf of the legal profession as the Bill moves through Parliament.

Recent Federal Court Ruling on Settlements

The Federal Court of Australia ruled on 21 August 2026 that a settlement agreement best serves the interests of a 12-year-old person under legal incapacity in proceedings alleging disability discrimination.

The federal government reported that reforms to the Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport 2002 took effect on 13 October 2026 to make journeys safer and more accessible for people with disability.