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In summary Mothers Survey Discrimination in the workplace against mothers is pervasive. One in two mothers reported experiencing discrimination at some point during pregnancy, parental leave or on return to work. Discrimination is experienced in many different forms ranging from negative attitudes in the workplace through to job loss. 32% of all mothers who were discriminated against at some…

In summary Employers identified several challenges in managing pregnancy/return to work issues, including: Confusion and uncertainty about their legal obligations, and about employee rights Managing the uncertainty that can surround pregnancy/return to work issues, especially regarding timeframes, employees’ return to work and employees’ requests to work flexibly or part-time Limiting the…

Research project by the Australian Human Rights Commission: Prevalence of experiences of discrimination relating to pregnancy at work and return to work after parental leave The Sex Discrimination Commissioner, on behalf of the Commission, will conduct research to identify the prevalence of discrimination in relation to pregnancy at work and return to work after parental leave as follows: A …

ABS: Australian Bureau of Statistics AIFS: Australian Institute of Family Studies ASX: Australian Securities Exchange AWALI: Australian Work and Life Index BB: Baby Bonus CEO: Chief Executive Officer Cth: Commonwealth CEDAW: Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women CALD: Culturally and linguistically diverse DaPP: Dad and Partner Pay scheme DSS: Department…

In 2013, the Australian Government asked the Sex Discrimination Commissioner, on behalf of the Australian Human Rights Commission, to undertake a National Review into discrimination related to pregnancy, parental leave and return to work after parental leave.The aims of the National Review, entitled Supporting Working Parents: Pregnancy and Return to Work National Review have been to:…

In summary Discrimination related to pregnancy and on return to work after parental leave is a systemic and widespread issue that places an economic impost on employers and organisations and on the Australian economy – particularly to the extent that it contributes to women’s under-participation or withdrawal from the workforce. There is a clear business imperative to address such…

5.1 Introduction The significant role of business to respect and support our human rights is increasingly being recognised. Although the protection of human rights remains the responsibility of government, business is realising that human rights are both relevant and fundamental to their operations. In many of the conversations I have had with business and community leaders across the…

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner thanks the following people and organisations for their assistance in preparing the Social Justice and Native Title Report 2013: Hans Bokelund, Chief Executive Officer Goldfields Land and Sea Council Elizabeth Bradshaw, Principal Advisor – Communities and Cultural Heritage, Communities and Social Performance Global…

Overview There have been a number of developments at the international level during the reporting period from 1 July 2012 to 30 June 2013 (Reporting Period). Some of these developments have included specific engagement by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, while others have addressed issues that affect the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. These include: the…

Overview This appendix reviews the following key developments in native title over the reporting period from 1 July 2012 to 30 June 2013 (Reporting Period): native title determinations and agreements the proposed Native Title Amendment Bill 2012 (Cth) other legislative amendments including the Tax Laws Amendment (2012 Measures No 6) Act 2012 (Cth) and the Courts and Tribunals Amendment

4.1 Introduction Alcohol consumption, misuse and related harm are some of the most challenging issues confronting communities across the length and breadth of Australia. These challenges are not limited to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, but confront every demographic in Australian cities and towns. From Kings Cross to Halls Creek, St Kilda to Santa Teresa – communities…

3.1 Introduction In chapters 1 and 2, I look back over the past 20 years that the Social Justice Commissioner position has been in place and think about the journey and our learning over this time. In this chapter, I want to explore how those lessons can take us forward to chart a confident course into the future and how the realisation of our rights can produce long term sustainable…

2.1 Introduction [1] Successive Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioners (Social Justice Commissioners) have always shown constant leadership and advocacy in reporting on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ rights to our lands and waters in the 19 Native Title Reports written between 1994 and 2012. [2] These Reports consistently show that social justice…

1.1 Introduction This year marks 20 years since the establishment of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner (Social Justice Commissioner) role under the Australian Human Rights Commission Act 1986 (Cth). When I first started in this position I was asked if any of the previous Commissioners had left any words or notes of advice. I answered them ‘no, but they all…

Review a forward by Professor Mick Dodson on the establishment of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner.

It is with great pleasure that I present my fourth Social Justice and Native Title Report 2013 (the Report) as the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner. One of my primary responsibilities is to report annually on the enjoyment and exercise of human rights by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and to make recommendations on the action that should be…