Refine results
-
Sex Discrimination28 September 2015Speech
Removing barriers - creating solutions for discrimination related to pregnancy and return to work after parental leave
Increasing women’s workforce participation: Barriers and solutions from the G20 and beyond -Governments of Australia, Japan and Turkey Side Event, Commission on the Status of Women, 59th Session, -
1 August 2014Book page
Chapter 1: The case for addressing workplace discrimination related to pregnancy, parental leave and on return to work after parental leave
In summary Discrimination related to pregnancy and on return to work after parental leave is a systemic and widespread issue that places an economic impost on employers and organisations and on the Australian economy – particularly to the extent that it contributes to women’s under-participation or withdrawal from the workforce. There is a clear business imperative to address such… -
13 November 2024Conciliation register
2024-04-05
The complainant worked for the respondent real estate agency. She alleged that after being informed she was pregnant, colleagues made negative comments, including "you are pregnant and useless, go home". She claimed the agency denied her request to work from home for part of the day at her doctor’s recommendation even though other staff were permitted to work from home. The complainant… -
Legal22 March 2024Media Release
Commission welcomes ALRC report on religious schools and anti-discrimination laws
The Australian Human Rights Commission welcomes the tabling of the report by the Australian Law Reform Commission (ALRC) on Religious Educational Institutions and Anti-Discrimination Laws. The ALRC’s recommendations would ensure that students and teachers are protected from discrimination on the basis of their sexuality, gender identity, marital or relationship status, or pregnancy –… -
Employers18 February 2015Quick Guide
Pregnancy
It is against the law to discriminate against a woman because she is pregnant or might become pregnant. Pregnancy discrimination happens when a woman is treated less favourably than another person because she is pregnant or because she may become pregnant. It is also discrimination when there is an unreasonable requirement or practice that is the same for everyone but has an unfair effect on… -
Sex Discrimination14 December 2012Publication
Pregnancy Guidelines (2001)
The Pregnancy Guidelines follow the Commission's Report of the National Inquiry into Pregnancy and Work, Pregnant and Productive: It's a right not a privilege to work while pregnant, commissioned by the federal Attorney-General in August 1998. -
11 February 2021Conciliation register
2020-02-13
The complainant worked as a childcare worker for the respondent childcare centre. She developed a pregnancy-related medical condition and asked for adjustments to accommodate her condition, including reduced hours and weightlifting restrictions. She said these requests were accommodated initially. However, she alleged that after a period of leave, she was informed that on her return, she… -
Employers19 February 2015Quick Guide
Sex Discrimination
Sex discrimination explained: unequal treatment based on sex, legal protections, and employer obligations. -
Legal14 December 2012Webpage
Federal Discrimination Law: Chapter 4 - The Sex Discrimination Act
The definitions of discrimination include both direct and indirect discrimination, with the exception of the definition of discrimination on the ground of family responsibilities, which is limited to direct discrimination. -
1 August 2014Book page
Chapter 4: Experiences of employers in managing pregnancy, parental leave and return to work after parental leave
In summary Employers identified several challenges in managing pregnancy/return to work issues, including: Confusion and uncertainty about their legal obligations, and about employee rights Managing the uncertainty that can surround pregnancy/return to work issues, especially regarding timeframes, employees’ return to work and employees’ requests to work flexibly or part-time Limiting the… -
Employers18 February 2015Quick Guide
Positive Discrimination
Understanding Positive Discrimination, legal measures promoting equality. Learn about special measures to promote equality based on age, sex, race or disability. -
Legal14 December 2012Webpage
Federal Discrimination Law 2005: Chapter 4: The Sex Discrimination Act
The definitions of discrimination include both 'direct' and 'indirect' discrimination, with the exception of the definition of discrimination on the ground of family responsibilities, which is limited to direct discrimination. -
11 February 2021Conciliation register
2020-02-11
The complainant worked for the respondent real estate agency and alleged her manager sexually harassed her, including by touching her on the legs and thighs, massaging her shoulders and making sexually explicit comments. She alleged that after she complained about the conduct, the agency victimised her by removing her from two projects as lead agent and performance managing her. She further … -
Legal14 December 2012Webpage
Exemption application under Sex Discrimination Act and Disability Discrimination Act: CASA: recommended decision
That, pursuant to an application by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, the Commission grant a five year exemption under Sex Discrimination Act 1984 ("SDA"), section 44, and the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 ("DDA"), section 55, for persons acting pursuant to existing Civil Aviation Regulations regarding medical fitness and proposed amendments to those regulations; but… -
Complaint Information Service29 January 2019Webpage
The complaint process for complaints about sex, race, disability and age discrimination
View the complaint process to the Australian Human Rights Commission for complaints about sex, race, disability and age discrimination. -
Employers18 February 2015Quick Guide
Discrimination
Employers have a legal responsibility to take all reasonable steps to prevent discrimination. Find out more in this quick guide. -
6 February 2024Conciliation register
2022-10-13
The complainant was a student of the respondent vocational training body. She alleged the training body informed her that due to her pregnancy, she would not be permitted to participate in a module with potentially distressing content, and that she could not complete three mandatory practical components of the course until six months post-partum. On being advised of the complaint, the… -
Commission – General14 December 2012Speech
Federal Anti-discrimination Law - 2004
In May last year I stepped down from my position as a Judge of the Federal Court to accept the role as President of HREOC. It has been a time of new challenges, such as the need to balance the legislative and administrative responsibilities that the Commission has been given by the federal government, with the important role of advocating for the rights of those on the margins of Australian… -
Sex Discrimination14 December 2012Speech
Speeches on Sex Discrimination Issues
Access Speeches on Sex Discrimination Issues Sex Discrimination by the Commission’s Commissioners from between the years 1996 to 2012. -
Employers18 February 2015Quick Guide
Direct Discrimination
Understanding Direct Discrimination. Learn about unlawful treatment based on protected characteristics.