New Resources for Working Parents

The Australian Human Rights Commission has launched a new website and online resources in a bid to fight the discrimination faced by pregnant women and parents in the workforce.

Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Elizabeth Broderick, who launched the new website, said it was developed in response to pervasive discrimination identified during last year’s Supporting Working Parents: Pregnancy and Return to Work National Review report.

“What the National Review found was that one in two mothers and a quarter of the fathers and partners surveyed reported experiencing discrimination at work during pregnancy, parental leave or return to work. These forms of discrimination have a negative impact on individuals, their families, and the national economy,” she said.

“It was clear that eradicating this kind of discrimination had to start with ensuring employers and employees understood their legal obligations and entitlements. That’s why the Commission, working across government and with support from PwC, business, unions and other key stakeholders, invested in a set of resources that is easy to use and informative for both employers and employees.

“The website will be added to over the coming months with further information including a compilation of leading practices and strategies being implemented in workplaces around the country to retain and support talented women and working parents.”

Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Women, Senator Michaelia Cash, also launched the website, which was developed with funding provided under the Women’s Leadership and Development Strategy.

“Women with families deserve choices about how they balance their work and caring responsibilities,” Minister Cash said.

“Being pregnant and having caring responsibilities should not impact parents’ careers or economic security.”

The resources are now available here.