Human Rights Commissioner Supported

QCCL President Michael Cope today supported the criticism by Human Rights Commissioner Scott McDougall of the decision to delay the implementation of the amendments to the Anti-Discrimination Act passed last year.

Whilst QCCL does not agree with all of these amendments, the Act contains significant changes which will improve the position of the disadvantaged in our community.

First, and most significantly, it introduces a new positive duty that requires duty holders such as employers to take reasonable and proportionate measures to eliminate discrimination, sexual harassment, harassment on the basis of sex and other objectionable conduct as far as possible

In addition, for the first time:

·         Victims of crime, victims of domestic family violence and people experiencing homelessness would be protected from discrimination

·         People experiencing discrimination for multiple reasons would be protected

"To those who say that these laws could have an impact on certain statutory decision-making schemes, we say that is what rights are meant to do. Rights are constraints on the exercise of discretions."

For further information contact Michael Cope President QCCL on 07 3223 5939 during office hours and at all times on 0432 847 154  26 March 2025