Sex Discrimination Act 1984
Encyclopedia
The Sex Discrimination Act 1984 is an Act
of the Parliament of Australia
which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, marital status, pregnancy or potential pregnancy in a range of areas of public life. These areas include work, accommodation, education, the provision of goods, facilities and services, the activities of clubs and the administration of Commonwealth laws and programs.
Among other things, the Act seeks to eliminate discrimination involving dismissal of employees with family responsibilities and to eliminate sexual harassment in areas of public activity.
The Act also seeks to create recognition and acceptance within the community of the principle of the equality of men and women.
The rights and responsibilities of pregnant and potentially pregnant workers in the workplace were clarified by the Sex Discrimination Amendment (Pregnancy and Work) Act 2003.
The Act implements Australia’s obligations under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women
which came into force in September 1981 and which Australia ratified in July 1983, subject to several reservations and declarations. The Act also gives effect to parts of International Labour Organisation Convention 156
which concerns workers with family responsibilities.
Act of Parliament
An Act of Parliament is a statute enacted as primary legislation by a national or sub-national parliament. In the Republic of Ireland the term Act of the Oireachtas is used, and in the United States the term Act of Congress is used.In Commonwealth countries, the term is used both in a narrow...
of the Parliament of Australia
Parliament of Australia
The Parliament of Australia, also known as the Commonwealth Parliament or Federal Parliament, is the legislative branch of the government of Australia. It is bicameral, largely modelled in the Westminster tradition, but with some influences from the United States Congress...
which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, marital status, pregnancy or potential pregnancy in a range of areas of public life. These areas include work, accommodation, education, the provision of goods, facilities and services, the activities of clubs and the administration of Commonwealth laws and programs.
Among other things, the Act seeks to eliminate discrimination involving dismissal of employees with family responsibilities and to eliminate sexual harassment in areas of public activity.
The Act also seeks to create recognition and acceptance within the community of the principle of the equality of men and women.
The rights and responsibilities of pregnant and potentially pregnant workers in the workplace were clarified by the Sex Discrimination Amendment (Pregnancy and Work) Act 2003.
The Act implements Australia’s obligations under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women
Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women
The Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women is an international convention adopted in 1979 by the United Nations General Assembly....
which came into force in September 1981 and which Australia ratified in July 1983, subject to several reservations and declarations. The Act also gives effect to parts of International Labour Organisation Convention 156
Workers with Family Responsibilities Convention, 1981
Workers with Family Responsibilities Convention, 1981 is an International Labour Organization Convention.It was established in 1981, with the preamble stating:...
which concerns workers with family responsibilities.
See also
- Sex discrimination
- Australian Human Rights Commission
- Sex Discrimination CommissionerSex Discrimination CommissionerThe Sex Discrimination Commissioner is an Australian federal government position established to oversee the operation of the Sex Discrimination Act 1984. The position was created alongside the Act as one of the specialist commissioners of the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission...