Improving access to equality:

PIAC’s submission to the Commonwealth Attorney-General’s Department regarding the consolidation of Commonwealth anti-discriminaiton laws makes a number of recommendations to improve access to justice and achieve substantive equality.  PIAC recommends changes to the definition of discrimination, reversing the burden of proof and creating a single limitations provision.  PIAC argues that protection from discrimination should be extended to additional attributes including religion, housing status and being a victim of domestic violence.  PIAC also supports the creation of a positive duty for public sector organisations.  PIAC makes a number of recommendations in relation to the complaints and compliance framework for discrimination, including creating a no-costs jurisdiction, broadening standing rules, and empowering a new Equality body to bring enforcement action.