Release of Discussion Paper on Consolidation of Anti-Discrimination Laws

The Attorney General and Minister for Finance and Deregulation have released a Discussion Paper  on the consolidation of Australia's federal anti-discrimination laws. Full details of the announcement can be found here . In April 2010 the Australian Government announced a 'Consolidation Project' to review and harmonise the current four federal anti-discrimination Acts into one, consolidated Act.

This Discussion Paper sets out some of the key issues and questions relating to the existing anti-discrimination framework. Responses to the Discussion Paper are due 1st February 2012. ERA will be preparing a response to the Discussion Paper. Contact ERA if you would like to be involved: era@ywca.org.au.

ERA recognises the Consolidation Project is a key opportunity to address gaps in our current anti-discrimination legislation and establish a stronger, equality based legislative framework. We urge the Australian Government to ensure that the harmonisation of anti-discrimination laws improves and strengthens protections against gender discrimination.  In particular, we are urging the Government to adopt and implement the recommendations of the Senate Standing Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs on the effectiveness of the Sex Discrimination Act 1984 , which have been referred to the Consolidation Project.

More information about the work on ERA on women's equality in laws is available in the 'projects' section of our website.