On 30 July 2015, the Supporting Working Parents website and online resources were launched at the Australian Human Rights Commission.
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On 30 July 2015, Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Women and Elizabeth Broderick, Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Australian Human Rights Commission, launched the Supporting Working Parents website and online resources.
Photo from left to right: Mark Brennan, Australian Small Business Commissioner; Julia Fox, Chair of the Australian Council of Trade Unions Women's Committee (SDA National Office); Kristen Hilton, Director of Civil Justice, Access and Equity, Victorian Legal Aid; Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Women; Elizabeth Broderick, Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Australian Human Rights Commission; Kate Carnell AO, CEO Australian Chamber of Commerce; Natalie James, Fair Work Ombudsman.Source: Data.gov.au
The website and online resources contain comprehensive information for employers and employees on workplace rights and obligations in relation to pregnancy, parental leave and return to work.
The resources will assist Australian workplaces to better support pregnant employees and manage parental leave and employees' return to work more effectively. The resources act as a one-stop-shop with information on anti discrimination, workplace relations and work health and safety laws. The resources are tailored to the needs of employers and employees, including a 'quick guide' for small businesses.
The website, developed by the Australian Human Rights Commission in collaboration with the Department of Employment, other government agencies, business peaks, unions and key stakeholders, is a response to the Supporting Working Parents: Pregnancy and Return to Work National Review conducted last year. The Review found one in two (49%) mothers and over a quarter (27%) of fathers and partners reported experiencing discrimination during pregnancy, parental leave or on return to work. Addressing the gap between the law and workplace practices was identified as the most effective strategy to reduce this discrimination.
Please visit the Supporting Working Parents website and take time to consider what you can do to achieve a better environment for working parents.