Women
Sex Discrimination Act 1984
01 August 1984
This Act protects people from unfair treatment because of their gender and makes sexual harassment against the law.
In 1983 Australia signed the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination against Women. The Australian Parliament used the external affairs power in section 51 (xxix) of the Australian Constitution) to put the treaty into effect by passing the Sex Discrimination Act 1984.
The aim of the Sex Discrimination Act 1984 was to promote equality between men and women in Australia, and to eliminate discrimination on the basis of sex, marital status, pregnancy and family responsibilities. It also made sexual harassment unlawful at the national level. The Act was important in changing ideas about the place of women in education and the workforce.
The Sex Discrimination Act 1984 has since been changed to ensure it continues to meet the needs of a changing Australian society. New protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity have been included.
Discrimination: ephemera material collected by the National Library of Australia
National Library of Australia, Courtesy of the Australian Human Rights Commission
Discrimination: ephemera material collected by the National Library of Australia
National Library of Australia, Courtesy of the Australian Human Rights Commission
Description
These pamphlets were made to inform people about the Sex Discrimination Act 1984. They are written in multiple languages. The covers say:
- 'Your guide to the Sex Discrimination Act 1984'
- 'The Sex Discrimination Act 1984. Sexual Harassment: Knowing Your Rights'
- 'The Sex Discrimination Act 1984 and the Rights of Pregnant Workers'
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