Protection from Discrimination

Reducing discrimination against women is fundamental to advancing gender equality.

In NSW, women are protected from discrimination under the NSW Anti-Discrimination Act 1977. It makes discrimination on the grounds of sex, pregnancy, race, age, marital status, disability, transsexuality and caring responsibilities, unlawful in specific areas of public life NSW, such as employment. In 2007, the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 was amended to also specifically prohibit discrimination in public life on the grounds of breastfeeding, which includes the act of expressing milk. Further information about the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 is available from the NSW Anti-Discrimination Board.

The Commonwealth Sex Discrimination Act 1984 protects individuals across Australia from discrimination on the basis of sex, marital status or pregnancy and, in relation to employment, family responsibilities. The Act also makes sexual harassment against the law. Further information regarding the Sex Discrimination Act 1984 is available from the Australian Human Rights Commission.