THE HON MARK DREYFUS QC MP
Attorney-General
Minister for Emergency Management
Special Minister of State
Minister for the Public Service and Integrity
MEDIA RELEASE
NEW PROTECTIONS AGAINST DISCRIMINATION BASED ON SEXUAL
ORIENTATION, GENDER IDENTITY AND INTERSEX STATUS START TODAY
Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus QC has announced that new laws to provide protection against discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity or intersex status commence today.
Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus QC has announced that new laws to provide protection against discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity or intersex status commence today.
"This Labor Government has a proud record of advancing the rights of all Australians," Mr Dreyfus said.
"These laws will ensure greater protections for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex Australians, particularly through barring discrimination in the provision of Commonwealth funded aged-care services.
"While the vast majority of aged care service providers are accepting and welcoming of all Australians, this new law will make sure such discrimination cannot occur."
The regulations will temporarily exempt actions taken in order to comply with Commonwealth, State and Territory laws. The exemption will sunset on 31 July 2014 and will be replaced by exemptions for specific laws.
"The one year initial exemption period allows State and Territory governments time to review their laws. The Government will carefully consider any requests for ongoing exemptions," Mr Dreyfus said.
"The Government will also be working with the States and Territories towards a nationally consistent approach to recognising sex and gender, including birth certificates."
The anti-discrimination reforms add to the 85 Commonwealth laws amended to eliminate discrimination against same-sex couples and the recently released guidelines on the recognition of gender.
1 August 2013
