28 October 2005
HREOC welcomes greater rights for same sex couples
The Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission applauds the federal Government’s decision to grant servicemen and women in same sex relationships the same employment entitlements that are currently available to those in heterosexual relationships.
Human Rights Commissioner, Dr Sev Ozdowski OAM, said today that he welcomed the comments by Defence Minister, Senator Robert Hill, that this decision reflects the government’s view that employers should not discriminate against their employees on the basis of the choices that they make in relation to their family relationships.
Dr Ozdowski said that over the years the Commission has received a number of complaints of discrimination from Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel in same sex relationships who claim they have been denied the same entitlements and conditions of service as their colleagues in heterosexual relationships.
“It was those complaints which prompted the Commission to take up this issue with the ADF and the government earlier this year,” Dr Ozdowski said.
The government’s decision means that all of Australia’s defence servicemen and women now have access to the same entitlements and conditions of service.
“As acknowledged by the ADF, the elimination of discrimination in the availability of employment entitlements and conditions of service available to employees is not only important to the creation of a workplace which is fair and inclusive for all, but also enhances workplace cohesion and effectiveness,” Commissioner Ozdowski said.
Media Contact: Paul Oliver (02) 9284 9880 or 0408 469 347
Last updated 28 October 2005.
