4 February 2008
ACT residents to help shape equality for women and men
ACT residents have the chance to tell federal Sex Discrimination Commissioner Elizabeth Broderick how best to build a fair and equal society for women and men in Australia at a major community consultation being held in Canberra tomorrow.
As part of her national ‘Listening Tour’, Commissioner Broderick expects her ACT meetings will see paid maternity leave and sexual harassment identified as key issues as they have been elsewhere around the country.
"I want to hear from as many sections of Australian society as possible so I will be meeting with business, community and employee groups whose input will inform the next five years of my term as Commissioner,” Ms Broderick said.
“I want to know people’s ideas for how we can best achieve real economic independence for women, and how we can support women and men to better balance their work and family lives.
“And importantly, I want to hear what people think are the necessary steps for an Australian society free from discrimination, harassment and violence,” Ms Broderick said.
The ‘Listening Tour’ includes a companion virtual tour, featuring an interactive website with a blog, case studies and videos. There is also a regular diary entry from the Commissioner on her findings as the tour progresses. The ‘Listening Tour’ can be found online at www.humanrights.gov.au/listeningtour/
ACT Human Rights and Discrimination Commissioner, Dr Helen Watchirs, has urged Canberrans to attend Commissioner Broderick’s ‘Listening Tour’ lunchtime forum.
"We are looking forward to hearing the views of all Canberrans who take the time to attend this important community consultation," Dr Watchirs said.
"Our involvement with the community and the complaints that we receive tell us that sexual harassment, discrimination and victimisation are issues that continue to affect women in Canberra.
“Employment is one of the most common areas in which women face discrimination, and unfair treatment in the workplace in turn has an impact on career development, families and personal lives,” she said.
“Here at the ACT Human Rights Commission, which is co-hosting tomorrow’s forum, we are also mindful of the need to have a clear picture of systemic issues to effectively address discrimination and to promote respect for human rights."
The ‘Listening Tour’ community consultation is being held on Tuesday, 5 February from 12.00 pm - 2.00 pm at the Theo Notaras Multicultural Centre, 2nd floor, North Building, 180 London Circuit, Canberra City. RSVPs are essential to 6205 2222.
Media contact: Louise McDermott on (02) 9284 9851 or 0419 258 597
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Upcoming 'Listening Tour' dates: ACT: 5-6 February; Western Australia: 17-21 March; Northern Territory: 24-28 March; and Queensland: 14-18 April.
