DISCRIMINATION IN EMPLOYMENT ON THE
BASIS OF CRIMINAL
RECORD
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Submission No. 82 -
Debbie Canavan, Karinya Counselling Centres
Debbie Canavan
Funding and Publicity Officer
Karinya Counselling Centres
3 Tricks Court , Glen Waverley, Vic 3150
(03)
98022886
SUBMISSION FOR THE DISCUSSION PAPER ON THE SUBJECT OF DISCRIMINATION
IN EMPLOYMENT ON THE BASIS OF A CRIMINAL RECORD
Karinya Counselling Centres are a non-profit, charitable organisation
offering low-cost, professional counselling and support services to all
clients regardless of race, colour, gender, ability, religion or social
status. As an agency dedicated to assisting members of the community
who are experiencing difficulty with issues that are holding them back,
I believe counselling services such as ours can play an important role
in aiding the individual to overcome the stigma and discrimination associated
with having a criminal record.
A combination of services targeting both
the employer and the employee would be the most effective.
- Advertising
within employer groups, unions, professional organisations and small
business collectives. Promoting both their rights and obligations to
prospective or current employees on the basis of their criminal record.
- Employer Forums could be held where human rights and anti-discrimination
issues can be discussed, and questions answered.
- A similar
forum for individuals experiencing discrimination on the basis of a
criminal record and other discrimination issues could be held, highlighting
their rights to privacy and obligations to disclosure under certain
circumstances, Police checks and what to do when they feel discriminated
against. There could be free advice and referrals offered to any number
of community, government and legal services.
- The
next step would be a course for individuals who are interested in overcoming
issues of low self-esteem, goal setting, identifying generational patterns,
making important steps to fulfilling their potential such as Careers
Counselling and Further Education Advice and resume writing.
- Couple
this with individual counselling, where sensitive issues relating to
possible grief and loss, abuse and other difficult topics can be discussed.
- Support groups would provide on-going guidance, allowing individuals
to feel connected and empowered.
Once it is recognised that this is a marginalised group, the government
and other philanthropic groups would be open to provide sponsorship and
support. This program could be promoted within the legal and prison system.
If an individual's criminal record becomes an issue they can mention
their involvement in this program.
I believe that some individuals may discriminate just as much against
themselves as others do against them, creating a poor sense of self that
holds them back from fulfilling their potential. Therefore by surrounding
these people with positive assistance and support, there is a greater
potential for them to overcome the stigma associated with this form of
discrimination.
Thankyou for you consideration.
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