The Queensland Human Rights Commission (QHRC) were asked to review the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 (Qld); specifically if the Act needs improvement in order to better respond to individuals’ experiences of discrimination.
The scope of the review included better identification and acknowledgement of systemic reasons for discrimination, sexual harassment, and victimisation within the Act, and whether the Act should require organisations, workplaces, etc. to address and remove instances of discrimination, sexual harassment, and victimisation.
Consultation commenced in 2021 with focused discussions with stakeholders, public consultations in Brisbane and regional areas, and in person and online consultations to address specific topic areas. In addition, an investigation of diverse topics including consideration of discrimination laws in other jurisdictions was conducted. From this consultation and investigation period, a discussion paper was published in November 2021.
The Review then received submissions up until 1 March 2022.
COTA Queensland’s submission for this review focussed on the need to remove – fully abolish – compulsory retirement ages in Queensland, and the acknowledgement of the factors which contribute to understanding this matter including age versus capacity, history of compulsory retirement age and addressing ageism in employment.
It is anticipated that the final report from the Review will be provided to the Attorney-General and made available online 30 June 2022.
