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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PIAC working with disability advocates to fix ‘reasonable adjustments’
PIAC is partnering with People with Disability Australia (PWDA) to advocate for essential amendments to the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth) (the DDA). These changes are necessary because of the 2017 case of Sklavos v Australian College of Dermatologists, in which the Federal Court found that not only must a person with disability show they…
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Religious Discrimination Bill: radical and flawed
The Government’s Exposure Draft Religious Discrimination Bill represents a radical step that will undermine existing anti-discrimination protections and the integrity of Australia’s anti-discrimination law regime. PIAC released a detailed submission on the bill today, available here. ‘A Religious Discrimination Bill is, in principle, a good idea. But the major flaws in the model put forward…
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‘Wake-up call’: Royal Caribbean settles with MND patient
‘A global cruise ship company has reached a settlement with a high-profile motor neurone disease patient who was turned away from a ship in Sydney.’ ‘Royal Caribbean has vowed to improve its service for people with a disability, in a move advocates say should serve as a “wake-up call” for the broader business sector.’
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Cruise case settled: a win for travellers with disability
It will be easier for people with disability to access and enjoy cruises following the successful settlement of a claim against Royal Caribbean by Professor Justin Yerbury. Cruise company Royal Caribbean has committed to a range of important practical changes, to address the barriers faced by Professor Yerbury when trying to take a cruise with…
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Religious Discrimination Bill misses the mark
PIAC has serious concerns about the Exposure Draft Religious Discrimination Bill released by Attorney-General Christian Porter late last month. While PIAC has long advocated for protecting people from discrimination on the grounds of religious belief, this Bill goes much further, undermining other existing human rights protections. For example, section 41 provides that ‘statements of belief’…
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Joint statement in support of religious discrimination protections
We, the undersigned LGBTIQ+ advocates, organisations and allies, place on the public record our support for protections from discrimination for people of all faiths, and for people who don’t hold religious beliefs, provided these laws do not sanction new forms of discrimination against others. As members of LGBTIQ+ communities, we have seen and experienced firsthand…
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Life insurers must end unlawful mental health discrimination, following VEOHRC report
PIAC’s Mental Health and Insurance Project has welcomed changes by several major travel insurers that will prevent discrimination against people with mental health conditions, but called for urgent action to end widespread discrimination by life insurers. ‘The removal of outdated and discriminatory blanket mental health exclusion clauses from travel insurance policies is an important step…
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Federal Government must fix gaping hole in the Disability Discrimination Act
People with disability have been dealt a blow, with the Federal Government refusing to fix a significant problem with the law that stops discrimination in employment, education, transport and more. ‘We are deeply disappointed that the Federal Attorney-General has ruled out fixing a new, glaring hole in the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) that makes it…
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Banking Royal Commission report signals to insurers: lift your game on mental health
PIAC has welcomed the Banking Royal Commission’s final report as a step towards addressing the unfair treatment of people with mental health conditions or symptoms. ‘For years, PIAC has been working with beyondblue and Mental Health Australia on behalf of the many consumers affected by unfair insurance policies and practices in relation to mental health,’…
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One rule for every school – an end to LGBT discrimination in religious schools in 2019
PIAC has urged support for a Bill to end discrimination against LGBT students at all schools in a submission to the Senate Inquiry on the Sex Discrimination Amendment (Removing Discrimination Against Students) Bill 2018. PIAC has also called for these protections to be extended to teachers and other staff. ‘Discrimination has no place in our…