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ARTICLE · 17 OCTOBER 2024

Significant changes coming to Queensland's anti-discrimination laws

Cooper Grace Ward
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Introduction of six new protected attributes and a positive duty to implement measures to eliminate unlawful conduct.

AustraliaEmployment and HR
Annie Smeaton
Annie Smeaton
William Head
William Head
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Introduction

The Respect at Work and Other Matters Amendment Act 2024 (Qld)received assent on 19 September 2024.

The Respect at Work Act will make significant changes to the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 (Qld) . This includes the introduction of six new protected attributes and a positive duty to implement measures to eliminate unlawful conduct.

These changes will take effect on 1 July 2025.

New protected attributes

Irrelevant criminal record will be added as a protected attribute to the Anti-Discrimination Act. This means that an employer will be prohibited from, for example, refusing to offer employment to a prospective employee on the basis of an irrelevant criminal record.

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Cooper Grace Ward is a leading Australian law firm based in Brisbane.

This publication is for information only and is not legal advice. You should obtain advice that is specific to your circumstances and not rely on this publication as legal advice. If there are any issues you would like us to advise you on arising from this publication, please contact Cooper Grace Ward Lawyers.

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