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ARTICLE · 22 DECEMBER 2012

Federal anti discrimination legislation proposed to be harmonised

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Employers may be liable for the unlawful conduct of directors, employees and agents unless they have taken precautions.

AustraliaEmployment and HR
Richard Ottley
Richard Ottley
Laura Sowden
Laura Sowden
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IN BRIEF

The Federal Government recently released an exposure draft of its proposed Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Bill 2012 (the Bill). The Bill harmonises the current five pieces of Federal anti discrimination legislation: Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (Cth), Sex Discrimination Act 1984 (Cth), Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth), Age Discrimination Act 2004 (Cth) and Australian Human Rights Commission Act 1986 (Cth) by consolidating them. This will help ensure the highest standards are consistently applied and enforced.

The Bill introduces protection against discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity aligning with the standards in the States and Territories on this issue.

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