Independent MP Allega Spender has introduced a bill to remove federal exemptions that allow religious schools to discriminate against students, teachers and contract workers based on sexual orientation, gender identity and related grounds. The bill would also extend protections to associates of those affected. Spender said the current law sends a harmful message beyond school gates and that religious schools could keep their ethos without the exemption. The bill would still allow schools to prefer staff of their faith in hiring and in senior leadership roles.
Independent MP Allega Spender has introduced a bill to remove federal exemptions that allow religious schools to discriminate against students, teachers and contract workers based on sexual orientation, gender identity and related grounds. The bill would also extend protections to associates of those affected. Spender said the current law sends a harmful message beyond school gates and that religious schools could keep their ethos without the exemption. The bill would still allow schools to prefer staff of their faith in hiring and in senior leadership roles.
Australia's sex discrimination laws must be overhauled to stop workplaces penalising pregnant women and mothers, a new report from the Australian Human Rights Commission urges. Sex discrimination commissioner Anna Cody said the legislation was not keeping up with modern families. Employment Minister Amanda Rishworth said the government has not yet committed to the recommended changes, which are being examined in an ongoing inquiry.
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More than 100 women have told Four Corners they lost work after becoming pregnant or having a child. Abby McCawley says she was fired from her role at Ray White Brunswick in Melbourne's inner north, a day after a company post had praised her. The real estate agency says her employment ended over workplace behaviour, a claim she disputes. She is now suing in the Federal Court. Lawyers say pregnant workers face daunting hurdles, and advocates are calling for stronger legal protections.
