The Human Rights Commission is to undertake a review of the State’s anti-discrimination laws.
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Shannon Fentiman said the review of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 was necessary to ensure it better protected Queenslanders from discrimination, promoted equality and met international best practice.
“Making sure our laws protect and promote equality for our diverse communities is a key priority for the Government,” Ms Fentiman said.
“I’ve written to Human Rights Commissioner, Scott McDougall asking the Commission to review the Act to consider whether any reforms are needed to update the laws to best protect and promote equality, non-discrimination and the realisation of human rights.”
She said she wanted the review to consider how the process could be made easier for victims of discrimination to make and defend complaints as well as options for ways to better use dispute resolutions.
“In undertaking its review, the independent Commission will take into account Australian and international best practices in the area and the compatibility of the Act with Queensland’s Human Rights Act, which commenced in full on 1 January 2020,” Ms Fentiman said.
“The Commission will consider the protected attributes under the legislation, including whether the current definitions best promote the rights to equality and non-discrimination and whether additional attributes should be introduced.”
She said she had asked the Commission to provide options for legally requiring all employers to take positive measures to eliminate sex discrimination, sexual harassment and victimisation as far as possible in their organisations.
“The Commission will receive $150,000 to assist it in undertaking the review and will provide its report by 30 June 2022,” the Minister said.
The terms of reference for the review can be accessed at this PS News link.
