Human Rights Council - 15th Regular Session
Discussion on women's equality before the law
Australian statement
by Ms Sally Dawkins
20 September
Half day discussion on discrimination against women, in law and practice, and how the issue is addressed throughout the United Nations human rights system
Statement by Australia
Thank you Mr President, and Australia would like to thank all the distinguished panellists for their valuable contributions today. The Australian Government also thanks the High Commissioner for her report on this important issue and appreciates the opportunity to make this statement.
The Australian Government welcomes the High Commissioner’s interest in gender equality in Australia. We welcome the High Commissioner’s call for member states to take further measures to eliminate discriminatory laws and close the persistent gap between de facto and de jure gender equality.
Improving women’s economic outcomes is critical. The Australian Government considers that measures which facilitate better pay equity outcomes, increase women’s workforce participation, and encourage more balanced sharing between women and men of caring and household work responsibilities are key to improving women’s economic security.
The Government recently announced the introduction of Australia’s first comprehensive paid parental leave scheme from 1 January 2011. This scheme will be instrumental in giving parents more options in balancing their work and family responsibilities while also helping women to maintain their connection to the workforce. The Government is committed to equality between women and men in opportunities and outcomes and recognises the role that the United Nations human rights system can play in achieving this outcome.
On 24 June 2010, the Commonwealth Attorney-General introduced into the Australian Parliament the Sex Discrimination Amendment Bill 2010. Among other key reforms, the SDA Bill provides clearer protection from discrimination for women who are breastfeeding, increased protection against discrimination in the workplace on the grounds of family responsibilities and increased protection from sexual harassment in the workplace and in education. The returning Government has affirmed its committment to these amendments.
Australia welcomes the High Commissioner’s efforts to eliminate discrimination against women, and looks forward to continuing to engage constructively with the Human Rights Commissioner to achieve this end.