The sex discrimination act - makes it illegal to directly or indirectly discrminate on the basis of sex (a few job specific exceptions). This therefore includes positive discrmination - words such as quota are taboo's under the act and such practice would result in a breach of legislation. However employers are allowed to offer training in order to create a level playing field before selection - however any inequalities with in the decision process giving any group any advantage are illegal.
Unfortuantly this does not address the years where some groups have been advantaged so it will take a long time of even, ethical recruitment to redress the balance.
[This message has been edited by Windy (edited 01 March 2001).]