Below is the Carers SA letter in support of the new Equal Opportunity legislation
Carers SA has sought for some years now provisions in equal opportunity legislation on the grounds of caring responsibilities.
Carers SA has argued consistently:
·That it is essential that family Carers have their roles and responsibilities safeguarded whilst they undertake employment, education and other day-to-day activities at the same time as caring for family members or close acquaintances who have a chronic illness or disability or who is frail or aged.
·That equal opportunity legislation was important for its recognition of family Carers as well as its core protection from discrimination and that such legislation would provide anti-discrimination rights to the 222,700 Carers who contribute an estimated $2 billion a year to the State’s economy.
·That it is unacceptable that a person could be discriminated against just because they selflessly care for someone else.
We are therefore pleased to see that this Bill makes it unlawful to discriminate on the grounds of caring responsibilities including indirect discrimination such as setting unreasonable requirements that are too difficult for a Carer to meet.
We also note and acknowledge that the Bill provides protections at a state level for people with disabilities, mental illness, learning disabilities or illnesses such as HIV and Hepatitis C.
We believe that this Bill is a useful complement to the SA Carers Recognition Act 2005 and the associated SA Carers Policy 2006.
Carers SA has previously expressed disappointment at the failure of earlier attempts at equal opportunity legislation and strongly encourages you to support this current Bill, so that Carers, among others, can receive the legislative protection they have been seeking for so long.
Carers are amongst the most vulnerable of our society: they need all the support they can get. Changes in the culture of the workplace, for example, that enable a work/life balance, are required if Carers are to thrive within a caring community.
For further discussion or queries please call our Policy Project Officer Phil Saunders on 8291 5600.Carers SA acknowledges that concerns have been expressed at aspects of this Bill, in particular the investigative powers of the Commissioner. However, the provisions that provide for such powers are supported by Carers who indicate that they and their families continue to feel stigmatised and fear that making formal complaints will put themselves at further risk.
Yours Sincerely
Jan Wallent President Rosemary Warmington CEO
