Sex Discrimination
Join us in promoting gender equality, removing discrimination and harassment and building a fairer, more productive future.

Meet the Commissioner
Kate Jenkins
Kate Jenkins is Australia’s Sex Discrimination Commissioner and a member of the Australian Human Rights Commission. Her purpose is to advance gender equality and the rights of LGBTIQ+ communities, consistent with the Sex Discrimination Act and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women.
Kate is the Chair of the Respect@Work Council and leads action to implement the Respect@Work: National Inquiry into Sexual Harassment in Australian Workplaces Report (2020), including conducting the 2022 National sexual harassment survey. Kate leads the Commission’s collaborative projects on cultural reform with the Australian Defence Force, Australian Federal Police and Australian Border Force. Kate’s other projects include: Change the Course: national survey sexual harassment and sexual assault at Australian universities (2017); Change the Routine: Review of Gymnastics in Australia (2021); and Set the Standard: Independent Review of Commonwealth Parliamentary Workplaces (2021). She is also an Ambassador for the FIFA2023 Women’s World Cup.
Prior to joining the Commission, Kate spent three years as the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commissioner, 20 years as lead equal opportunity partner with Herbert Smith Freehills and many years serving on the boards of Berry Street Victoria, Heide Museum of Modern Art and Carlton Football Club.
Latest News
New workplace sexual harassment resources: Good practice indicators for employers, and guidelines on confidentiality clauses in settlements
The Respect@Work Council has published new guidelines on the use of confidentiality clauses in settling workplace sexual harassment cases, and good practice indicators to assist organisations prevent and respond to workplace sexual harassment. Both sets of guidelines were recommended by the...
Seeking Expressions of Interest for next Sex Discrimination Commissioner
The Australian Government is seeking expressions of interest from suitably qualified persons for appointment to the full-time statutory position of Sex Discrimination Commissioner at the Australian Human Rights Commission. The Sex Discrimination Commissioner is responsible for the promotion and...
National Press Club Address: Changing Laws, Changing Behaviours, Changing Lives
Speech by Australia's National Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Kate Jenkins, to the National Press Club on 30 November, 2022. [Check against delivery] Acknowledgments Thank you, Laura, for that kind introduction, and thank you to the National Press Club for having me today. I want to begin by...