Discrimination
Media and commentary related to our work to strengthen and modernise anti-discrimination laws, to protect human rights and ensure fair access to services, education, work and culture.
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Victims must be considered in complaint handling reform
The NSW Legislative Council Legal Affairs Committee has completed its inquiry into One Nation’s Bill to amend processes for lodging discrimination complaints. Their recommendations about the Anti-Discrimination Amendment (Complaint Handling) Bill 2020 are a mixed bag. In positive news, the Committee recommends the Bill’s proposed changes to sections 89B and 92 of the Anti-Discrimination Act…
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New research highlights mental health discrimination by super funds
PIAC has joined with Super Consumers Australia to call on super funds and insurers to stop discriminating against people who have mental health conditions. Research released by Super Consumers in early July found that Australia’s biggest superannuation funds are seeking to limit claims under total and permanent disability (TPD) by people who may be unemployed…
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Test case settlement great news for autistic children
Catherine Blundy’s discrimination test case against The Lakes Christian College has settled, with the school agreeing to measures to better support autistic children. In reaching settlement, Catherine, her mum Hannah, and the College have made the following statement: Hannah Blundy and The Lakes Christian College have agreed to resolve Catherine Blundy’s claim against the College…
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Test case highlights the need for better school support for children with autism
PIAC has commenced a discrimination test case on behalf of an eight-year old girl who has an autism spectrum disorder, after she was expelled from her primary school in Year 2. PIAC’s client, Hannah Blundy, says that her daughter, Catherine, was expelled after her school failed to provide a range of supports and adjustments recommended…
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Could It Get Easier For People To Say Yuck Stuff About Women In The Workplace? Attorney-General: No, Lawyers: Yes.
‘You’re a woman in the workplace and a colleague says that women should be obedient or subservient to their husbands, that single mothers are sinners, or that abortion is murder.’ ‘You try to make a complaint to your state or territory anti-discrimination tribunal, or to the Human Rights Commission under the Sex Discrimination Act. But…
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New insurance code a welcome step towards ending mental health discrimination
Our work contributed to a positive change that will increase protections for people with a current or past mental health condition.
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Faith-based organisations concerned religious discrimination bill could hamper their work
‘Jewish and Christian groups have released a joint statement arguing the legislation could unintentionally harm customers by favouring religious expression.’ This SBS radio story includes and interview with PIAC CEO, Jonathon Hunyor.
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Life insurers urged to take a fairer approach to mental health
PIAC has called for an investigation into systemic discrimination by life insurers against people with past or current mental health conditions, in a submission to the Productivity Commission’s draft report on mental health. In particular, PIAC has called for an end to the widespread practice by life insurers of applying broad mental health exclusions to…