The number of complaints received by the Australian Human Rights Commission and Fair Work Australia indicate that discrimination against pregnant employees and against men and women returning to work after taking parental leave continues to be a problem in Australian workplaces. In 2011 to 2012, 21% of complaints under the Sex Discrimination Act received by the Commission related to pregnancy discrimination and family responsibilities. The Commission received 160 complaints related to pregnancy discrimination, 63 complaints related to family responsibilities discrimination and 2 complaints related to breastfeeding discrimination. The overwhelming majority of these complaints were submitted by women. Similarly, 21% of the complaints investigated by the Fair Work Commission in 2011-2012 related to an allegation of pregnancy discrimination.
The Commission is interested in speaking to women and men who have been affected by discrimination in the workplace related to pregnancy, parental leave and return to work following parental leave about:
- The challenges faced by women and men in the workplace while pregnant, on parental leave or upon returning to work
- Examples of leading practices and strategies in the workplace that can address these challenges
- Relevant data, case studies and trends
- Gaps and practical challenges in implementing relevant legislative and policy frameworks
The following consultation sessions have been scheduled over November and December:
Newcastle
Date: Friday 8 November
Time: 2:00-3:30pm
For further details and to RSVP please visit https://newcastlecommunity.eventbrite.com and enter the password NEWCASTLE
Darwin
Date: Wednesday 13 November
Time: 1:00 – 2:30pm
Venue: YWCA Barbara James House, Boardroom, 9 Mirambeena St, Darwin
Please RSVP by 8 November at https://darwinconsultations.eventbrite.com and enter the Password DARWIN
Brisbane
Date: Tuesday 19 November
Time: 11:30am – 1:00pm
For further details and to RSVP please contact Mackayla Jeffries – Mackayla.jeffries@adcq.qld.gov.au
Canberra
Date: Wednesday 20 November
Time: 2:00-3:30pm
For further details and to RSVP please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/event/8962090855 and enter the Password: AIDACT
Melbourne
Date: Friday 29 November
Time: 9:30-11:00am
Venue: La Trobe Street, Melbourne
For further details and to RSVP please contact Lynette Garrick – lynette.garrick@humanrights.gov.au
Date: Friday 29 November
Time: 11:30am - 1:00pm
Venue: La Trobe Street, Melbourne
For further details and to RSVP please contact Lynette Garrick – lynette.garrick@humanrights.gov.au
The Commission is also inviting online submissions for those who are unable to attend a consultation session. To make an online submission to the National Review, please see http://www.humanrights.gov.au/pregnancy-discrimination