• Home
  • About
    • Privacy Policy
    • Write for Australian Women Online
  • Advertise With Us
  • Horoscopes
  • Style
  • Shoe Boutique
  • eFashion
  • Weight Watchers Australia

Australian Women Online

Business, career, health and lifestyle content for women

  • Home
  • BLOG
  • BOOKS
  • BUSINESS
  • CAREER
  • COOKING
  • HEALTH
  • LIFESTYLE
    • Automotive
    • Beauty
    • Fashion
    • Pets
    • Relationships
    • Your Home
    • Your Money
  • TECHNOLOGY
  • TRAVEL
    • Discount Holidays
You are here: Home / CAREER / New laws in NSW protect pregnant women at work

New laws in NSW protect pregnant women at work

8 March 2018 by Australian Women Online

Share this:

  • Tweet
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • More
  • Share on Tumblr
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit
  • Click to print (Opens in new window) Print
  • Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp

Kingsford Legal Centre Director Anna Cody_Photo by Anna Kucera

Kingsford Legal Centre Director Anna Cody. Photo by Anna Kucera

The Justice Legislation Amendment Bill 2018, which passed through NSW Parliament this week, introduces welcome employment protections for pregnant women, according to Kingsford Legal Centre Director Associate Professor Anna Cody.

“Women, including pregnant women, make a valuable contribution to the workforce and should not face discrimination at work on the basis of pregnancy,” Dr Cody said.

“The Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW) contained exemptions that allowed employers to not hire or dismiss women if they were pregnant at the time they applied, interviewed or were hired for a job.”

“These exemptions permitted discrimination against pregnant women, were outdated, and the NSW Attorney-General deserves praise for removing them.”

“These amendments are a positive step to meet our obligations under international human rights law to promote equality and non-discrimination, bringing NSW anti-discrimination law in line with the federal Sex Discrimination Act 1984 and laws in other states and territories.”

“Sadly, pregnancy and family responsibilities discrimination remains prevalent in Australia, with one in two mothers experiencing discrimination at work during pregnancy, parental leave or return to work,” Dr Cody said.

“Community legal centres provide valuable assistance to people and communities across NSW at times when they need it most. This is particularly true when people are facing economic hardship or discrimination.”

Speaking to the Australian Associate Press, NSW Attorney-General Mark Speakman said, “In this day and age, it’s unacceptable that a woman could be overlooked for a role or dismissed from a new position once it becomes apparent that she is pregnant.”

NSW Minister for Women Tanya Davies described the old laws as “outdated,” saying they discriminated against pregnant women who were job hunting.

Dr Mehreen Faruqi

Dr Mehreen Faruqi

The NSW Government also acknowledged the work of Greens MP Dr Mehreen Faruqi in advocating for the change.

Dr. Mehreen Faruqi MLC and the Greens NSW Spokesperson for the Status of Women, introduced legislation to make this change in September 2017 and then met with Attorney General Mark Speakman and requested the Government to make this change.

On passing of this bill, Dr. Faruqi said: “It’s a moment of pride to see our campaign come to fruition and have NSW finally get rid of these discriminatory laws that protected employers who were unfair to pregnant women.”

“We know we still live in a society where too many people think pregnancy and motherhood are incompatible with work, so this is great news, especially with the International Women’s Day just around the corner.”

“We only made this change because we pushed for it. The fight for social and legal change is far from over, but this is one step in the right direction.”

You May Also Like:

Filed Under: CAREER, International Women's Day

Ads by Google
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

New Content

  • How to Ladder Your Term Deposits for Maximum Flexibility & Returns
  • Women in Wagering: How the Industry is Finally Tapping Female Players
  • Demolition Safety: 10 Essential Safety Tips and Guidelines
  • The Best E-Scooters in Australia: Features to Look For in 2025
  • Tips for Lingerie Shopping
  • The Checklist: How to Maintain a Commercial Vehicle
  • Safe and Fast: Payment Methods Used by Aussie Online Casino Players
  • Shade Without the Struggle: The Pergola That Makes Sense
  • Creating a Supportive Work Environment with Mental Health and Wellbeing Services
  • 10 Questions You Should Ask to Find the Right Pop-up Camper for You

Popular Content

  • Moore Weekly Stars
  • Sexy and Stylish Short Hairstyles for Women Over 60
  • Write for Australian Women Online
  • Woolworths on board as Fresh Food supporter of 2018 Commonwealth Games
  • Women Who Have Become Gambling Legends
  • How to Ladder Your Term Deposits for Maximum Flexibility & Returns
  • Cue Zip Front Leather Jacket
  • Tigerlily Tanoosa Maxi Dress
  • CHARLES & KEITH Quilted Push-Lock Sling Bag
  • Veronika Maine Monochrome Zebra Georgette Dress Black/White

Australian Women Online © Copyright 2007 - 2025 Deborah Robinson ABN 38 119 171 979 · All Rights Reserved