Just.Equal Australia has called on the federal government to include LGBTIQA+ community organisations or representatives in its Jobs and Skills Summit following their
conspicuous omission from the list of attendees.
The omission comes despite the fact many LGBTIQA+ Australians experience higher levels of workplace discrimination and have fewer workplace protections.
It is also despite a commitment from Treasurer, Jim Chalmers, that the Summit will address the "unique employment challenges" faced by LGBTIQA+ Australians.
Just.Equal spokesperson, Rodney Croome, said,
“Attendees at the Summit will include representatives of Indigenous people, young people, people with disability, women, single mothers, older people but conspicuously not LGBTIQA+ people.”
“This is despite the fact we face higher than average rates of workplace discrimination and have fewer workplace protections than other Australians.”
“For example the Sex Discrimination Act allows LGBTQ people to be discriminated against by faith-based organisations and the Fair Work Act doesn’t explicitly protect trans and intersex people from workplace discrimination.”
“We call on Treasurer, Jim Chalmers, to fulfill the commitment he has made to address the workplace issues we face by including LGBTIQA+ representatives in the Summit.”
Last week
Mr Chalmers told Out in Perth:
“We recognise that many LGBTIQA+ Australians often face a range of unique challenges when it comes to secure employment. These are exactly the issues that we hope to address through our Jobs and Skills Summit.”
For Jim Chalmers' commitment: https://www.outinperth.com/treasurer-jim-chalmers-says-lgbtiqa-employment-is-on-the-agenda/
