Wednesday, October 01, 2008 - 10:34
Age Discrimination Act
The Age Discrimination Act 2004 helps to ensure that people are not treated less favorably on the ground of age in various areas of public life including:
- employment
- provision of goods and services
- education
- administration of Commonwealth laws and programs
The Act also provides for positive discrimination – that is, actions which assist people of a particular age who experience a disadvantage because of their age. It also provides for exemptions in the following areas:
- superannuation
- migration, taxation and social security laws
- state laws and other Commonwealth laws
- some health programs.
Elizabeth Broderick was appointed Commissioner responsible for Age Discrimination in 2007. The Commissioner is responsible for promoting understanding of and compliance with the Act.
Her role includes reviewing legislation, providing policy advice and undertaking projects to tackle the attitudes and stereotypes that can lead to discrimination against people of different ages.
A plain language guide to the Age Discrimination Act is available from the Australian Human Rights Commission. It also includes information about exemptions under the Act.
More
|
The Australian Human Rights Commission has a particular focus on addressing barriers to equality and participation faced by mature workers, older Australians and young people.
More
|
|
Under the Act, individuals can lodge complaints of discrimination with the Australian Human Rights Commission.
More
|