Legislation to promote equality is being introduced into Parliament today as the Territory Labor Government moves to modernise the Anti-Discrimination Act 1992.
The Anti-Discrimination Amendment Bill 2022 follows a comprehensive review of the Act that focused on contemporising legislation in line with community expectations.
The amendments seek to protect Territorians from discrimination; promote equality; and address concerns with the operation of the current legislation.
Key amendments include:
additions to protected attributes such as gender identity, carer responsibilities and sex characteristics;expanding protection against discrimination for a broader range of 'assistance animals' used by people with a range of disabilities;removing the exemption for religious educational institutions that allows discrimination against employees on the basis of sexuality, or religious belief or activity;a positive duty to eliminate discrimination, sexual harassment and victimisation;prohibiting acts of vilification based on protected attributes;increased scope of sexual harassment protections;equal protection for people who provide and receive goods and services; anda new representative complaints process.
The amendments are the most significant changes to the Act in 30 years.
Quotes attributable to Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Chansey Paech:
"This legislation strengthens equality across the NT by protecting Territorians from discrimination.
"These amendments to the Act will promote a rights-based approach and close the divide for current and future generations.
"Our Government has a strong track record of supporting human rights and anti-discrimination measures and that's why we are ensuring our laws are both reflective of contemporary expectations, and protective of our diverse community."
