In December 2022 changes were made to the Sex Discrimination Act 1984 (Cth), and these laws now place a positive duty on Schools to ‘eliminate, so far as is possible, discrimination involving subjecting persons to workplace environments that are hostile on the ground of sex’.
From December 2023, the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) will have new regulatory powers to ensure schools are meeting the positive duty requirements.
In the lead up to enforcement of the laws, the AHRC has released Guidelines on The Positive Duty under the Sex Discrimination Act.
The Guidelines will help Schools meet their positive duty to eliminate discrimination and sexual harassment.
Schools are encouraged to utilise the next few months to review current policies and practises and implement the positive duties to ensure that the goal of eliminating sexual harassment is part of a suite of measures for ensuring the health and safety of their employees.
For more information please do not hesitate to contact the AISNSW Workplace Management Team on 02 9929 2845.
