Australia to toughen up sex laws

Oct 28, 2010 |

Melbourne

Australia is all set to toughen its sex and age discrimination laws to provide equal protection for men and to make the choice of becoming a stay-at-home dad a little easier.

According to an AAP report, amendments were passed by Parliament's lower house today. The Sex and Age Discrimination Legislation Amendment Bill 2010 would make it unlawful to discriminate against breastfeeding mothers, while cyber-bullying and harassment will also be targeted.

The draft laws set up Australia's first dedicated age discrimination commissioner, who will advocate for the rights of older Australians. Employment participation minister Kate Ellis said discrimination of mature-age workers was a growing concern, and forcing them out of the workforce.

"This is something that should be of grave concern to all of us particularly given the composition of our workforce over coming years and the demographics that we know we are facing," she told the Parliament, adding "age discrimination can go unnoticed too often, it is my hope that the establishment of this dedicated role will raise this issue and provide redress."

The commissioner will be required to maintain the rights of senior Australians in both the workplace and the community. The legislation now goes before the Senate.

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