Media Release
Wednesday April 14th 2021
 
NEW SEXUAL HARASSMENT LAWS HIGHLIGHT GOVT'S FAILURE TO ACT AGAINST LGBTIQ+ BIAS
ADVOCATES SEEK MTG WITH NEW ATTORNEY-GENERAL, MICHAELIA CASH


Advocates say the Government's response to the Respect@Work Report highlights further reforms it is yet to act on.

The Government has announced its acceptaince of many of the 55 recommendations from the Respect@Work report into sexual harassment in the workplace, many of which involve amendments to the Sex Discrimination Act and Fair Work Act to better protect women.

But just.equal spokesperson, Rodney Croome, said this highlights the failure of the Government to protect LGBTIQ+ people under both laws.

"We welcome the Government's commitment to amend the Sex Discrimination and Fair Work Acts in response to the Respect@Work report, but unfortunately those Acts will require further amendments if they are to fully protect LGBTIQ+ people from unfair treatment."

"It has been two and half years since the current Government promised to amend the Sex Discrimination Act to protect LGBTIQ+ students in faith-based schools and still nothing has happened."

"As shown by high-profile cases of LGBTIQ+ staff being sacked from faith-based schools, the SDA is outdated and needs a complete overhaul."

"The Fair Work Act also requires updating so it provides full and explicity protection for workers who are trans and gender diverse, and those with variations of sex characteristics."

Mr Croome said just.equal has sought a meeting with newly-appointed Attorney-General, Michaelia Cash, to request LGBTIQ+ people be fully protected under both laws.
 
For a copy of this statement on the web, click here
For more information contact Rodney Croome on 0409 010 668.