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
PARLIAMENT PASSES HISTORIC SEX DISCRIMINATION AMENDMENT BILL
Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus QC has welcomed the passage through Parliament of the Sex Discrimination Amendment (Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Intersex Status) Bill, which legislates long-overdue protections for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex people.
The legislation will establish, for the first time at the Federal level, protections against discrimination in areas such as accommodation and healthcare.
Following consultation with aged care providers and a recommendation from the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee, the Government amended the Bill to insert a qualification on the exemption for religious organisations for the provision of Commonwealth-funded aged care services.
"The Government is proud to have passed this historic Bill, which is an important step towards equality for all Australians, regardless of their sexuality or gender identity," Mr Dreyfus said.
"It's deeply disappointing that the Liberal Party didn't support this protection in the Senate for accessing aged care services by gay, lesbian, transgender and intersex Australians.
"This amendment has been strongly supported by UnitingCare Australia and Mission Australia, and other major aged care providers have confirmed they do not discriminate against any residents or those seeking care.
"Senator Brandis needs to explain why he argued against these aged care protections, despite strong community support and the wishes of aged care providers. By his own admission, the Senator shamefully puts practical protections for vulnerable older gay and lesbian people at the bottom of his hierarchy of rights.
"The vast majority of aged care service providers give dedicated and loving care to their residents no matter who they are, but it is important to ensure such discrimination cannot ever occur. Ageing gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex people should not have to live in fear that they may be barred from essential care services.
"This protection is particularly vital in regional areas where there is a limited choice of aged care providers."
The new protections build upon the Government's reforms to eighty-five Commonwealth Acts which removed discrimination against same-sex couples and their children.
WEDNESDAY, 26 JUNE 2013
