Sex discrimination
The Sex Discrimination Act 1984 prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, marital status, pregnancy or potential pregnancy in a range of areas of public life. These areas include work, accommodation, education, the provision of goods, facilities and services, the activities of clubs and the administration of Commonwealth laws and programs.
Among other things, the Sex Discrimination Act seeks to eliminate discrimination involving dismissal of employees with family responsibilities and to eliminate sexual harassment in areas of public activity.
Recognition and acceptance within the community of the principle of the equality of men and women is also a goal of the Sex Discrimination Act.
On 24 June 2010 the Government introduced the Sex Discrimination Amendment Bill 2010 to amend the Sex Discrimination Act to, among other things, extend protection from discrimination on the ground of family responsibilities to both women and men in all areas of work, and to provide greater protection from sexual harassment for students and workers.
The Bill implements key aspects of the Government’s response to the 2008 report on the effectiveness of Sex Discrimination Act in eliminating discrimination and promoting gender equality, by the Senate Standing Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs.
Complaints of sex discrimination
The Department does not handle complaints of sex discrimination. If you have a discrimination complaint, contact the Australian Human Rights Commission.
Level 8, Piccadilly Tower
133 Castlereagh Street
SYDNEY NSW 2000
Telephone: (02) 9284 9600
Complaints Infoline: 1300 656 419
www.humanrights.gov.au
The Commission can also provide more information about the Sex Discrimination Act.
International obligations
The Sex Discrimination Act implements Australia’s obligations under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women. The Act also gives effect to parts of International Labour Organisation Convention 156 which concerns workers with family responsibilities.