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14 January 2021Conciliation register
2019-05-17
The complainant was employed as a shop assistant with the respondent food outlet. She alleged the franchise owner sexually harassed her, including by making comments about her body, taking private photos from her phone, lifting up her shirt, touching her and exposing himself to her. The business denied the allegations but agreed to participate in conciliation. The complaint was resolved with… -
Employers18 February 2015Quick Guide
Indirect Discrimination
Indirect discrimination occurs when a seemingly neutral rule or policy disproportionately affects people with specific attributes (e.g. sex, disability). It’s unlawful if based on protected characteristics. -
Sex Discrimination
14 December 2012SpeechPeeling the inequality onion
This paper considers national and international legislative and other provisions regarding equality for women in the labour market. Australia ranks second to Sweden in terms of pay equity. It is argued that over the last two decades of global shifts to labour market decentralism and deregulation, Australian women have fared relatively well. Three fundamental reasons stand out: -
13 November 2014Book page
The Year in Review
Building understanding and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms We all have a responsibility to respect the rights and freedoms of others. To make this a reality, the Commission works to build greater understanding of human rights and their importance in daily life. This is one of our two key priorities for 2011-2014. We work with a broad range of groups across the country,… -
6 February 2024Conciliation register
2022-10-12
The complainant is gay. She was employed for three months with the respondent sports governing body. The complainant alleged that a colleague made comments about gay women which made her uncomfortable in the workplace including that playing the sport “will make you gay”, that gay women are more likely to have psychological issues and display predatory behaviours and that he would prefer that… -
Legal
14 December 2012WebpageIndependent Interim Report on CEDAW
Para 29: The Committee encourages the State party to continue its efforts to tackle the persistent problem of violence against women and urges the State party to adopt national legislation and adopt, implement and adequately fund as a matter of urgency the National Action Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and Their Children, including a mechanism for independent monitoring. -
Legal
14 December 2012Webpage
Review of Australia’s Fourth Periodic Report on the Implementation of the International Covenant on Economic Social and Cultural Rights
Recommendation 2: The Australian Government pass a federal Human Rights Act that includes recognition and protection of economic, social and cultural rights. -
14 December 2012Book page
Same-Sex: Discussion paper 2
This discussion paper briefly discusses federal laws which exclude same-sex couples from accessing financial and work-related entitlements. The paper discusses the following areas of federal law: -
Employers18 February 2015Quick Guide
Policies
The type of policies your organisation should put in place will depend on the needs and circumstances of your particular workplace. Some organisations choose to have a single workplace policy which prohibits discrimination, bullying, and harassment on a range of grounds, including a person’s sex, race, disability, age or sexual orientation. Others may decide there is a need for an additional… -
14 December 2012Book page
Annual Report 2002-2003: Chapter 8
Commissioner Pru Goward’s appointment to the position of Sex Discrimination Commissioner was announced on 29 June 2001. She commenced her term on 30 July 2001. -
Employers18 February 2015Quick Guide
Gender Equality
Women experience inequality in many areas of their lives. At work, women face a gender ‘pay gap’ and barriers to leadership roles. Many encounter reduced employment opportunities because of the time they give to family and caring responsibilities. Sexual harassment and gender-based violence also threaten women’s basic right to feel safe and respected at work, in public, in places of study… -
Sex Discrimination
15 July 2015Webpage
Assistance and making a complaint
The decision of where to bring a complaint is a complex one and legal advice should be sought. It can depend on several factors like the time it will take for a complaint to be dealt with, time limits on lodging the complaint and the range of remedies or relief that are available if the matter has to go to court. The following organisations may be able to provide assistance and advice:… -
Sex Discrimination
14 December 2012Speech
Launch of Good Practice, Good Business (2004)
Firstly, I would like to pass on apologies from the President of the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission, The Hon. John von Doussa QC, who is presently interstate and unable to be here today. It goes without saying that he entirely endorses the purpose of this project and believes there should be more of it. -
14 April 2022Conciliation register
2020-08-10
The complainant attended the respondent private high school. She alleged that a colleague sexually harassed her, including by taking photos under her skirt, spreading rumours about her sex life, and circulating photos purported to be of her in the nude. She said she made a complaint about this behaviour to the school, but no action was taken. She claimed the school withdrew an award from her… -
Sex Discrimination
13 March 2013Webpage
Inquiries
Explore the Australian Human Rights Commission’s efforts to combat sex discrimination and promote gender equality through inquiries and initiatives. -
14 December 2012Book page
HREOC Annual Report 2003-2004 : Chapter 4: Complaint Handling Section
The Complaint Handling Section (CHS) is responsible, through the President, for investigating and conciliating complaints lodged under federal anti-discrimination and human rights law. The CHS also delivers a Complaint Information Service. Accordingly, the CHS plays a key role in fulfilling the Commission's objective of delivering an Australian society in which human rights are protected. -
30 September 2020Conciliation register
2019-02-13
The complainant worked for the respondent television production company as a crew member. She alleged a colleague sexually harassed her, including by making comments about her appearance and slapping her on her buttocks. She also alleged two other colleagues observed the conduct and one said 'nah, she wants it hey', to which the other said ' yeah mate she does' in relation to inferred sexual… -
Sex Discrimination
27 March 2015Speech
Sydney Girls High School – Annual Presentation Day
It is indeed a privilege to be invited to speak to you all at such an important time in many of your lives. In my job I get the opportunity to see and be with people of all walks of life, across all parts of Australia. And it is wonderful to be able to include today in my experiences – it is giving the chance to be with an incredibly talented group of young women, who I hope to see in leadership… -
Rights and Freedoms
20 October 2017SpeechResearch by Government Reform Bodies involving Vulnerable People and Populations
Ethics Training Day: Dealing with Vulnerability Princeton Room, Bond University, 14 University Drive, Robina, Qld CHECK AGAINST DELIVERY Introduction I represent an organisation that works extensively with people who can be part of “vulnerable populations”. My background is as a human rights lawyer. While human rights and human ethics are not the same thing, there are some important cross… -
LGBTIQ+
22 November 2016SpeechTransgender Day of Remembrance
Transgender Day of Remembrance Harmony Park, Goulburn St, Surry Hills Edward Santow, Human Rights Commissioner Check against delivery Acknowledgements Gadigal people of the Eora Nation Elders in the trans community, past and present. In particular, those people who have been victims of hate crimes and those who have faced, and continue to face, discrimination, vilification and harassment in…