ADCQ Annual Report 2007–08

Reports from the regions - North Queensland Region

• Community Relations
• Training and education
• Complaint handling

Community Relations

The Commissioner, Regional Manager and Co-ordinator of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Unit visited several Palm Island organisations including the Men’s Group, Kootana Women’s Centre, the Justice Group and Council. One of the outcomes was the delivery of two information sessions, one to which the whole community was invited and the other to the staff of a local community organisation.

NAIDOC week was recognised in July with a successful information stall at Central Park. Traditional dances, performances and food lent a festive air to the day.

Training and Education

Townsville’s annual week long training was conducted in July. Participants across the region trained in Discrimination Law, Contact Officer (Introduction and Advanced), Investigations and Fairness – Everyone’s Business courses. Business, government and community organisations were represented. This service is well supported each year and has become a regular and anticipated event.

Overall 32 training sessions were held across the Northern Region, helping to fulfil the Commission’s commitment to deliver education sessions to regional and country Queensland. More than 350 people participated in these sessions.

Complaint Handling

The percentage of complaints for impairment, sexual harassment and sex are similar to last financial year. However, at 9% race complaints have increased signifi cantly from last year and return to the pattern of the past 10 years.

The percentage of work complaints has decreased to 10% from last year.

Conciliation rates were very high with 67% of complaints settled.

Again complaints were handled in a timely manner, with the majority of complainants notified in writing within 14 days whether their complaint was accepted or not. Most complaints were dealt with within three months. With a staff of three, the office has delivered timely, effective and cost efficient services.

Accepted complaints (by ground) 2007-08 North Queensland

Accepted complaints (by area) 2007-08 North Queensland

Main grounds for accepted complaints North Queensland

Back to Table of Contents for 2007-2008 ADCQ Annual Report