Question

Difficulty: MediumEquality of Opportunity in Employment

In Australia, the 'fair go' value extends to the workplace through the principle of equality of opportunity. Which of the following factors is the only legal basis for selecting a candidate for a new job or a promotion?

  1. The candidate's skills, qualifications, and ability to perform the workAnswer
  2. B
    The candidate's personal wealth or their family's social standing
  3. C
    Whether the candidate is a man or a woman to ensure a specific gender is hired

Answer

The candidate's skills, qualifications, and ability to perform the work
The correct answer is correct because the principle of equality of opportunity in employment requires that individuals be hired or promoted based solely on their merit. Merit is defined by an individual's skills, qualifications, and their proven ability to perform the tasks required for the position.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the core principle being tested
Equality of Opportunity in Employment
The question asks for the basis of employment selection in the context of Australian democratic values.
2
Apply the concept of 'merit'
Selection must be based on the individual's capability to do the job.
Australian law and values emphasize that everyone should have a 'fair go' regardless of irrelevant personal characteristics.
3
Evaluate the options against anti-discrimination principles
Skills and qualifications are the only valid criteria among the choices provided.
Factors like wealth, gender, or social background are protected or irrelevant attributes that do not constitute merit.

Key Concept

Merit-based selection in the Australian workforce

Hints

1
Think about the meaning of a 'fair go' in Australia. Does it favor people with money, or people who can do the job?
2
Equality of opportunity means that everyone starts at the same line. The person who wins the job should be the one best prepared for it.
3
Focus on 'merit'. Merit involves your education, your previous work experience, and your specific talents.

Practice More

Review the 'Anti-Discrimination Principles' to see what other personal characteristics (like age or disability) are protected in the Australian workplace.
Estimated Time:45s
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