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Lawyer and current Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commissioner, Kate Jenkins, has been appointed to the position of Sex Discrimination Commissioner for a term of five years.
Kate Jenkins replaces the high profile Elizabeth Broderick who stepped down in September 2015 after eight years as Sex Discrimination Commissioner at the Australian Human Rights Commission. Ms Broderick was also the Age Discrimination Commissioner from 2007 to 2011.
The announcement of Kate Jenkin’s appointment was made in a joint media release by Minister for Women, Senator Michaelia Cash and Attorney General, Senator George Brandis, on Thursday 11 February 2016.
As Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commissioner, Kate Jenkins has worked closely with a wide range of organisations, including the Victoria Police, to address issues of entrenched discrimination and harassment. Significantly, she established the Victorian Male Champions of Change strategy, building on the national program established by the former Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Elizabeth Broderick.
She has also advanced gender equality in all areas of life with a particular focus on diversity in sport, through the Fair Go Sport and Play By the Rules campaigns.
Kate Jenkins was also a partner at one of the top law firms in the Asia Pacific, Herbert Smith Freehills, where she led an equal opportunity and diversity practice.
“I am delighted by the appointment of Ms Jenkins to the Australian Human Rights Commission,” said Commission President, Professor Gillian Triggs.
“I have admired Ms Jenkins’ leadership of the Victorian Commission over the last few years and believe that her appointment at the Federal level will enable her to promote a truly national approach to the equality of all Australians, especially in employment.”
“On behalf of the Commissioners and staff of the Commission I warmly welcome Ms Jenkins. She brings a wealth of expertise to the Commission, especially in employment law, and I am confident that she will continue to contribute greatly to our work in advancing gender equality in Australia,” said Professor Triggs.
“We look forward to having Kate take on this important work.”
For more information about the work of the Sex Discrimination Commissioner visit the website www.humanrights.gov.au/our-work/sex-discrimination