Reforms that provide a stronger framework of protection against discrimination have been enshrined into law, with amendments to the Anti-Discrimination Act 1992 passed by Parliament last night.
The new laws, which represent the most significant modifications in 30 years, contemporise the Act and strengthen equality of opportunity for Territorians.
Key features of the legislation include:
additions to protected attributes such as gender identity, carer responsibilities and sexual orientation;expanding protection against discrimination to a broader range of accredited 'assistance animals' used by people with a range of disabilities;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.
Work to reform the Anti-Discrimination Act has been underway since 2017.
Quotes attributable to Attorney General and Minister for Justice Chansey Paech:
"The Territory Labor Government has a strong track record of supporting human rights and anti-discrimination measures, and these new laws build upon the object of the legislation which includes promoting the right to equality of opportunity - regardless of an attribute - for all Territorians.
"These changes are important for those who have suffered inequities based on race, culture, gender, disabilities, and a range of other factors such as sexuality and age.
"Discrimination law is an evolving area and it is important that the Northern Territory keeps up to date with modern values and expectations. These new laws will help to close the divide on inequality for current and future generations."
