30 September 1985
I am pleased to announce that the Government has accepted
the recommendations of the Working Party on Affirmative Action
Legislation. A~ s a result, the Government will legislate in
the autumn session of Parliament in ! 986 for affirmative action
for women in higher education institutions and in private
sector organisations employing more than 100 people.
Senator Ryan, who assists me on issues concerning the status
of women, and who convened the Working Party, conveyed the
recommendations to the Government today.
I am pleased that the Working Party was able to agree on a
recommended approach to this important issue. Although some
of its members expressed reservations, which will be published
in the Working Party's report, all members were prepared to
endorse the approach, given the Government's commitment to
legislation. The opposition did not agree with the need for
legislation but it has supported other aspects of the package.
The legislation will be proclaimed in stages. Higher education
institutions will be required to comnply from 1987. Private
sector compliance will begin early in 1988.
The Government welcomes the proposal by business to establish a
Council for Equal Employment Opportunity to encourage companies
to begin immediately to introduce affirmative action. The
Working Party noted this proposal, which is compatible with our
approach. The Government will explore ways of co-operating
with the Business Council in its efforts to encourage greater
awareness within the private sector of the need to improve job
opportunities for women.
Further information may be obtained from Senator Ryan.