Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Discrimination Commissioner, Karen Toohey
Changes have recently been made to the ACT Discrimination Act.
Beginning 11 April 2024, the areas of public life protected by the Act have expanded.
Additionally, the scope of some of exceptions have narrowed and new positive duties have been introduced.
“ACT anti-discrimination laws are some of the strongest across Australia and have been strengthened further,” ACT Discrimination Commissioner Karen Toohey said.
“These changes require government and organisations to do more, adjusting their operations and practices to support the needs of different sections of the community.
“They also require government and organisations to take clear steps to review their practices, and make changes to eliminate discrimination, sexual harassment and vilification in workplaces, in the delivery of services and in public life.
“This is about fostering a more inclusive and fairer Canberra, where people from all walks of life have equal access to quality services,” she said.
Understand what’s changing
To help you understand the changes, the ACT Human Rights Commission and Canberra Community Law are co-hosting a free online information session.
This will be held on 30 April, 12:30–1:30pm.Register to attend via Eventbrite.
An overview of the changes
New positive duties have been introduced, including a duty to make reasonable adjustments to accommodate a person’s particular needs, as protected by this legislation.
This could mean a school’s duty to provide a student with a uniform that corresponds with their gender identity, for example.
The Act now makes it illegal for a public authority to discriminate against someone when administering a territory law or an ACT Government program or policy, with some exceptions.
This means, for example, an elderly person eligible to live in public housing couldn’t be denied housing because they had an assistance animal or a mobility impairment.
The changes also narrow or refine exceptions for sporting activities and competitions, insurance and superannuation services and religious bodies.
Further amendments to the Act will commence in coming years.
“These changes will assist Canberrans by expanding the Discrimination Act protections for disability, race, religion, subjection to family violence and age, for example. Protections now apply in formal sporting activities, competitions and in membership of clubs and voluntary bodies,” Commissioner Toohey said.
“Organisations and agencies such as schools, government services, hospitals and services for older people like aged care homes also have a larger responsibility to make positive changes so that they can support the individual needs of the public.
“All up, that means more flexible, inclusive and helpful services for Canberrans.”
Find more information
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