11 February 1999
Girl Friday? - I don't think so!
Sex Discrimination Commissioner to launch guidelines for writing and publishing recruitment advertisements
Job ads that discriminate on the basis of sex and martial status continue to be published around the nation despite provisions under the federal Sex Discrimination Act 1994 making it illegal to do so.
Federal Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Susan Halliday will tomorrow launch a brochure that revisits the requirements for writing and publishing recruitment ads. The brochure is targeted at recruitment and employment agencies, employers and those who publish or display job ads.
"These people have clear obligations under the federal Sex Discrimination Act" Commissioner Halliday says. "The Act makes it unlawful to publish or display job ads that discriminate on the grounds of sex, maritial status, pregnancy or potential pregnancy."
"One of the objects of the Act is to provide potential job applicants with a level playing field. And employers benefit by attracting a wider range of merit based job applicants."
The brochure is part of a broader community education campaign aimed at increasing awareness about the federal Sex Discrimination Act.
"This brochure highlights the extensive coverage of the federal Sex Discrimination Act. It should also be noted that to simply comply with state and territory legislation is not enough."
Breaches of the Act can result in prescribed fines of up to $5 000.
Commissioner Halliday will be available for interview prior to and after the launch.
For further information please contact Erin Broderick on (02) 9284 9880 or 0419 258 597.
Last updated 2 December 2001.
