Have your say: anti-discrimination laws

| December 13, 2011

 

The Attorney-General and Minister for Finance and Deregulation launched a public discussion paper to seek community views on consolidating Commonwealth anti-discrimination law in September 2011.

The project to consolidate existing Commonwealth anti-discrimination law into a single Act is a key component of Australia’s Human Rights Framework. First 5000 members are invited to submit your opinions on the discussion paper until 1 February 2012.

The Government is conscious that anti-discrimination law has become too complex and it is important that people easily understand their rights and obligations. In considering options for reform, the Government will keep the following principles in mind:

  • a reduction in complexity and inconsistency in regulation to make it easier for individuals and business to understand rights and obligations under the legislation
  • no reduction in existing protections in federal anti-discrimination legislation
  • ensuring simple, cost-effective mechanisms for resolving complaints of discrimination, and
  • clarifying and enhancing protections where appropriate.

The Government has committed to introducing new protections against sexual orientation and gender identity discrimination as part of this process.

Discussion paper
The discussion paper sets out some of the key issues and questions relating to the existing anti-discrimination framework.

Download pdf – Consolidation of Anti-Discrimination Laws – Discussion Paper

There is no specific template for submissions to allow flexibility in responses. Submissions can address any or all of the questions which appear throughout the discussion paper or any other matter relevant to discrimination law.

Submissions should be sent to the Attorney-General’s Department via email: antidiscrimination@ag.gov.au.

The submissions will inform the development of exposure draft legislation, which will be released for further public consultation in early 2012.

SHARE WITH: