NGOs collaborate on Sex Discrimination Inquiry

The National Foundation for Australian Women welcomes the Inquiry into the effectiveness of the Commonwealth Sex Discrimination Act announced by the Government in June this year, and is collaborating with the Combined Community Legal Centres Group in order to provide resources that will help women's organisations make informed submissions to the Review.

"We need to improve and promote equality for women through the legal structures in Australia," said NFAW spokeswoman Marie Coleman. "The evidence clearly shows that there is a glass ceiling and even now, after many years of operating with the current legislation, Australian women experience widespread and serious inequality."

"The NFAW website is providing practical support for submissions in the form of information and resources identified by the Combined Community Legal Centres Group as relevant to the Inquiry. It is our intention to assist and encourage as many women as possible to become involved in the Senate Inquiry into the Sex Discrimination Act."

This Inquiry is an important law reform opportunity for women, and NFAW encourages all interested women to become involved."

The Combined Community Legal Centres Group have identified areas where reform is needed, and provide a clear rationale that can be used as a starting point for discussion. The relevant terms of reference are also identified."

The last major review of the Sex Discrimination Act was undertaken by the Australian Law Reform Commission in 1994. The report from that review is also referenced on the NFAW website. NFAW will be publishing regular updates to the resource list."

Further inquiries

Marie Coleman - ph 02 6248 6937