Anti-Discrimination Act 1977

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The NSW Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 is an Act of the NSW Parliament, a parliament in Australia, relating to discrimination in employment, the public education system, delivery of goods and services, and other services such as banking, health care, property and night clubs.

The Act renders unlawful racial, sexual and other types of discrimination in certain circumstances and promotes equality of opportunity for all people.

The Act covers the following types of discrimination:

Sex (incl. breastfeeding [1], pregnancy and sexual harassment)
Disability (incl. HIV status)
Race (incl. ethno-religion)
Homosexuality
Marital status
Age
Transgender (incl. transsexuality)
Carer’s responsibilities (but only within employment).

1 Anti-Discrimination Amendment (Breastfeeding) Bill 2007
2 Development of the NSW Anti-Discrimination Act 1977
3 Anti-Discrimination Board
4 Functions of the Board
5 Making a complaint
6 References

[edit] Anti-Discrimination Amendment (Breastfeeding) Bill 2007

The Anti-Discrimination Amendment (Breastfeeding) Bill 2007 got the granted Royal Assent on 1 November 2007 - Then became legislation to include "breastfeeding", which was added to the NSW Anti-Discrimination Act 1977. [2]

[edit] Development of the NSW Anti-Discrimination Act 1977

The Act was granted Royal Assent on 28 April 1977 and came into effect on 1 June 1977.

[edit] Anti-Discrimination Board

The Anti-Discrimination Board was set up under the NSW Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 to administer the Act. The Anti-Discrimination Board promotes anti-discrimination and equal opportunity principles and policies throughout NSW.

[edit] Functions of the Board

The Anti-Discrimination Board handles complaints of discrimination made by the public. The Board provides an enquiry service for people who wish to find out about their rights or responsibilities under the Act. The Board is also empowered to accept, investigate and conciliate on complaints wherever appropriate.

[edit] Making a complaint

The Board attempts to prevent discrimination from occurring. While informing people of their rights and responsibilities through consultations, education programs, seminars, participation in community functions and via the Board website, the Board also accepts complaints regarding discrimination from individuals and their lawyers. Complaints are required to be in writing and posted or sent via facsimile to the Board.

The Board investigates and conciliates complaints. Any issues which require a legally binding decision can be referred to the Equal Opportunities Division of the NSW Administrative Decisions Tribunal (which does have the authority to make a decision) or to a Court.

The Anti-Discrimination Board advises the Government on discrimination matters and makes recommendations to the Attorney General on applications for exemption from the NSW Anti-Discrimination Act 1977.