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Sex Discrimination Act 1984
- C2004A02868
Act No. 4 of 1984 as made
An Act relating to discrimination on the ground of sex, marital status or pregnancy or involving sexual harassment
Administered by: Attorney-General's
Date of Assent 21 Mar 1984
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SEX DISCRIMINATION ACT 1984 No. 4, 1984




SEX DISCRIMINATION ACT 1984 No. 4, 1984 - TABLE OF PROVISIONS



                             TABLE OF PROVISIONS

                              PART I-PRELIMINARY
Section
  1.       Short title
  2.       Commencement
  3.       Objects
  4.       Interpretation
  5.       Sex discrimination
  6.       Discrimination on the ground of marital status
  7.       Discrimination on the ground of pregnancy
  8.       Act done for 2 or more reasons
  9.       Application of Act
  10.      Operation of State and Territory laws
  11.      Operation of State and Territory laws that further objects of
           Convention
  12.      Extent to which Act binds the Crown
  13.      Extent to which Act applies to instrumentalities of States

                         PART II-PROHIBITION OF DISCRIMINATION

                            Division 1-Discrimination in Work

  14.      Discrimination against applicants and employees
  15.      Discrimination against commission agents
  16.      Discrimination against contract workers
  17.      Partnerships
  18.      Qualifying bodies
  19.      Registered organizations under the Conciliation and Arbitration Act
  20.      Employment agencies

                         Division 2-Discrimination in Other Areas

  21.      Education
  22.      Goods, services and facilities
  23.      Accommodation
  24.      Land
  25.      Clubs
  26.      Administration of Commonwealth laws and programs
  27.      Application forms, &c.;

                  Division 3-Discrimination Involving Sexual Harassment

  28.      Sexual harassment in employment
  29.      Sexual harassment in education

                                  Division 4-Exemptions

  30.      Certain discrimination on ground of sex not unlawful
  31.      Pregnancy or childbirth
  32.      Services for members of one sex
  33.      Measures intended to achieve equality
  34.      Accommodation provided for employees or students
  35.      Residential care of children
  36.      Charities
  37.      Religious bodies
  38.      Educational institutions established for religious purposes
  39.      Voluntary bodies
  40.      Acts done under statutory authority
  41.      Superannuation and insurance
  42.      Sport
  43.      Combat duties, &c.;
  44.      Commission may grant exemptions
  45.      Review by Administrative Appeals Tribunal
  46.      Notice of decisions to be published
  47.      Effect of exemptions

                       PART III-INQUIRIES AND CIVIL PROCEEDINGS

                                  Division 1-Preliminary

  48.      Functions of Human Rights Commission
  49.      Functions of Commissioner
  50.      Complaints
  51.      Commissioner deemed to be a complainant

                           Division 2-Inquiries by Commissioner


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  52.      Inquiries by Commissioner
  53.      Application for interim determination under section 80
  54.      Power to obtain information and documents
  55.      Directions to persons to attend compulsory conference
  56.      Compulsory conference
  57.      Reference of matters to the Commission

                     Division 3-Inquiries by Human Rights Commission

  58.      Reference of matter to the Commission by the Minister
  59.      Inquiries into complaints
  60.      Quorum for purpose of inquiry
  61.      Single inquiry in relation to several complaints
  62.      Joinder of parties by the Commission
  63.      Notice of inquiry and rights of parties at inquiry
  64.      Parties to an inquiry
  65.      Right of appearance and to representation
  66.      Inquiries may be held in private
  67.      Commission may prohibit publication of evidence, &c.;
  68.      Counsel assisting the Commission
  69.      Determination of representative complaints
  70.      Matters to be considered in determination of representative
           complaints
  71.      Amendment of representative complaints
  72.      Ordinary complaints not precluded by representative complaints
  73.      Resolution of complaint by conciliation
  74.      Evidence and findings in other proceedings
  75.      Powers of Commission to take evidence
  76.      Retention and copying of documents
  77.      Application of rules of evidence, &c.;
  78.      Consideration of exceptions and exemptions
  79.      Commission may dismiss frivolous, &c.;, complaints
  80.      Making of interim determination
  81.      Determination or other decision of the Commission
  82.      Proceedings in Federal Court
  83.      Assistance in proceedings before Commission
  84.      Assistance in proceedings before Federal Court

                                    PART IV-OFFENCES

  85.      Unlawful act not offence unless expressly so provided
  86.      Advertisements
  87.      Failure to provide actuarial or statistical data
  88.      Failure to attend conference
  89.      Failure to furnish information, &c.;
  90.      Offences in relation to Commission
  91.      Self-incrimination
  92.      Particulars of complaints not to be communicated, &c.;
  93.      False or misleading information
  94.      Victimization
  95.      Obstruction, &c.;

                        PART V-SEX  DISCRIMINATION COMMISSIONER

  96.      Sex Discrimination Commissioner
  97.      Terms and conditions of appointment
  98.      Remuneration of Commissioner
  99.      Leave of absence
 100.      Outside employment
 101.      Resignation
 102.      Termination of appointment
 103.      Acting Commissioner

                                  PART VI-MISCELLANEOUS

 104.      Delegation
 105.      Liability of persons involved in unlawful acts
 106.      Vicarious liability, &c.;
 107.      Acts done on behalf of bodies
 108.      Commonwealth deemed to be employer
 109.      Awards inconsistent with this Act not to be made
 110.      Unlawful act not basis of civil action unless expressly so
provided
 111.      Protection from civil actions
 112.      Non-disclosure of private information
 113.      Information stored otherwise than in written form
 114.      Commissioner to furnish information
 115.      Jurisdiction of Federal Court
 116.      Regulations


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                                    SCHEDULE
     CONVENTION ON THE ELIMINATION OF ALL FORMS OF DISCRIMINATION AGAINST
                                     WOMEN



SEX DISCRIMINATION ACT 1984 No. 4, 1984 - SECT. 1.
Short title.


                    pregnancy or involving sexual harassment

                               (Assented to 21 March 1984)

                               PART I-PRELIMINARY
Short title

  1. This Act may be cited as the Sex Discrimination Act 1984.


SEX DISCRIMINATION ACT 1984 No. 4, 1984 - SECT. 2.
Commencement



  2. This Act shall come into operation on a day to be fixed by Proclamation.


SEX DISCRIMINATION ACT 1984 No. 4, 1984 - SECT. 3.
Objects



  3. The objects of this Act are-

  (a)  to give effect to certain provisions of the Convention on the
Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women;

  (b)  to eliminate, so far as is possible, discrimination against persons on
the ground of sex, marital status or pregnancy in the areas of work,
accommodation, education, the provision of goods, facilities and services, the
disposal of land, the activities of clubs and the administration of
Commonwealth laws and programs;

  (c)  to eliminate, so far as is possible, discrimination involving sexual
harassment in the workplace and in educational institutions; and

  (d)  to promote recognition and acceptance within the community of the
principle of the equality of men and women.


SEX DISCRIMINATION ACT 1984 No. 4, 1984 - SECT. 4.
Interpretation



  4. (1) In this Act, unless the contrary intention appears-

  ''accommodation'' includes residential and business accommodation;

  ''administrative office'' means-

     (a)  an office established by, or an appointment made under, a law of the
Commonwealth;

     (b)  an office established by, or an appointment made under, a law of a
Territory;

     (c)  an appointment made by the Governor-General or a Minister otherwise
than under a law of the Commonwealth or of a Territory (including the Northern
Territory); and

     (d)  an appointment as a director of an incorporated company that is a
public authority of the Commonwealth,

    but does not include-

     (e)  an office of member of the Legislative Assembly, member of the
Council or Minister of the Territory, within the meaning of the Northern
Territory (Self-Government) Act 1978;

     (f)  an office of member of the Legislative Assembly within the meaning
of the Norfolk Island Act 1979; or

     (g)  an office or appointment in the Australian Public Service;

  ''Chairman'' means Chairman of the Commission;

  ''club'' means an association (whether incorporated or unincorporated) of
not less than 30 persons associated together for social, literary, cultural,
political, sporting, athletic or other lawful purposes that-

     (a)  provides and maintains its facilities, in whole or in part, from the
funds of the association; and

     (b)  sells or supplies liquor for consumption on its premises;

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  ''Commission'' means the Human Rights Commission established by the Human
Rights Commission Act 1981;

  ''commission agent'' means a person who does work for another person as the
agent of that other person and who is remunerated, whether in whole or in
part, by commission;

  ''Commissioner'' means the Sex Discrimination Commissioner appointed under
section 96;

  ''committee of management'', in relation to a club or a registered
organization, means the group or body of persons (however described) that
manages the affairs of that club or organization, as the case may be;

  ''Commonwealth employee'' means a person who-

     (a)  holds an office or appointment in the Australian Public Service or
is employed in a temporary capacity in a Department;

     (b)  holds an administrative office;

     (c)  is employed by a public authority of the Commonwealth;

     (d)  holds an office or appointment in the Commonwealth Teaching Service
or is employed as a temporary employee under the Commonwealth Teaching Service
Act 1972;

     (e)  is employed under the Australian Security Intelligence Organization
Act 1979, the Supply and Development Act 1939 or the Naval Defence Act 1910;
or 

     (f)  is a member of the Defence Force;

  ''Commonwealth law'' means-

     (a)  an Act, or a regulation, rule, by-law or determination made under or
pursuant to an Act;

     (b)  an Ordinance of a Territory, or a regulation, rule, by-law or
determination made under or pursuant to an Ordinance of a Territory; or

     (c)  an order or award made under or pursuant to a law referred to in
paragraph (a) or (b);

  ''Commonwealth program'' means a program conducted by or on behalf of the
Commonwealth government;

  ''contract worker'' means a person who does work for another person pursuant
to a contract between the employer of the first-mentioned person and that
other person;

  ''Convention'' means the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of
Discrimination Against Women, a copy of the English text of which is set out
in the Schedule;

  ''de facto spouse'', in relation to a person, means a person of the opposite
sex to the first-mentioned person who lives with the first-mentioned person as
the husband or wife of that person on a bona fide domestic basis although not
legally married to that person;

  ''Department'' has the same meaning as that expression has in the Public
Service Act 1922;

  ''document'' includes any book, register or other record of information,
however compiled, recorded or stored;

  ''educational authority'' means a body or person administering an
educational institution;

  ''educational institution'' means a school, college, university or other
institution at which education or training is provided;

  ''employment'' includes-

     (a)  part-time and temporary employment;

     (b)  work under a contract for services; and

     (c)  work as a Commonwealth employee;

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  ''employment agency'' means any person who or body that, whether for payment
or not, assists persons to find employment or other work or assists employers
to find employees or workers, and includes the Commonwealth Employment
Service;

  ''enactment'' has the same meaning as in the Human Rights Commission Act
1981; 

  ''Federal Court'' means the Federal Court of Australia;

  ''function'' includes duty;

  ''institution of tertiary education'' means a university, college of
advanced education, technical and further education institution or other
institution at which tertiary education or training is provided;

  ''instrumentality of a State'' means a body or authority established for a
public purpose by a law of a State and includes a technical and further
education institution conducted by or on behalf of the government of a State,
but does not include any other institution of tertiary education;

  ''man'' means a member of the male sex irrespective of age;

  ''marital status'' means the status or condition of being-

     (a)  single;

     (b)  married;

     (c)  married but living separately and apart from one's spouse;

     (d)  divorced;

     (e)  widowed; or

     (f)  the de facto spouse of another person;

  ''near relative'', in relation to a person, means-

     (a)  a parent, child, grandparent, grandchild, brother or sister of the
person; or

     (b)  the spouse or de facto spouse of the first-mentioned person or of a
person referred to in paragraph (a);

  ''principal'' means-

     (a)  in relation to a commission agent-a person for whom the commission
agent does work as a commission agent; and

     (b)  in relation to a contract worker-a person for whom the contract
worker does work pursuant to a contract between the employer of the contract
worker and the person;

  ''proposed enactment'' has the same meaning as in the Human Rights
Commission Act 1981;

  ''public authority of the Commonwealth'' means-

     (a) a body incorporated, whether before or after the commencement of this
Act, for a public purpose by a law of the Commonwealth or a law of a
Territory, being a body corporate employing staff on its own behalf;

     (b)  an authority or body, not being a body corporate, established,
whether before or after the commencement of this Act, for a public purpose by,
or in accordance with the provisions of, a law of the Commonwealth or a law of
a Territory, being an authority or body employing staff on its own behalf; or

     (c)  an incorporated company over which the Commonwealth, or a body or
authority referred to in paragraph (a) or (b), is in a position to exercise
control;

  ''registered organization'' means an organization registered pursuant to
the
 Conciliation and Arbitration Act 1904;

  ''respondent'', in relation to a complaint, means the person who is, or each
of the persons who are, alleged to have done the act to which the complaint
relates;

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  ''services'' includes-

     (a) services relating to banking, insurance and the provision of grants,
loans, credit or finance;

     (b) services relating to entertainment, recreation or refreshment;

     (c) services relating to transport or travel;

     (d) services of the kind provided by the members of any profession or
trade; and

     (e) services of the kind provided by a government, a government authority
or a local government body;

  ''State'', except in sub-sections 9 (15), (16), (17) and (18), includes the
Northern Territory;

  ''technical and further education institution'' has the same meaning as that
expression has in the Commonwealth Tertiary Education Commission Act 1977 ;

  ''Territory'', except in sub-sections 9 (17) and (18), does not include the
Northern Territory;

  ''voluntary body'' means an association or other body (whether incorporated
or unincorporated) the activities of which are not engaged in for the purpose
of making a profit, but does not include-

     (a) a club;

     (b) a registered organization;

     (c) a body established by a law of the Commonwealth, of a State or of a
Territory; or

     (d) an association that provides grants, loans, credit or finance to its
members;

  ''woman'' means a member of the female sex irrespective of age.

  (2) For the purposes of this Act, refusing or failing to do an act shall be
deemed to be the doing of an act and a reference to an act includes a
reference to a refusal or failure to do an act.


SEX DISCRIMINATION ACT 1984 No. 4, 1984 - SECT. 5.
Sex discrimination



  5. (1) For the purposes of this Act, a person (in this sub-section referred
to as the ''discriminator'') discriminates against another person (in this
sub-section referred to as the ''aggrieved person'') on the ground of the sex
of the aggrieved person if, by reason of-

  (a) the sex of the aggrieved person;

  (b) a characteristic that appertains generally to persons of the sex of the
aggrieved person; or

  (c) a characteristic that is generally imputed to persons of the sex of the
aggrieved person,
the discriminator treats the aggrieved person less favourably than, in
circumstances that are the same or are not materially different, the
discriminator treats or would treat a person of the opposite sex.

  (2) For the purposes of this Act, a person (in this sub-section referred to
as the ''discriminator'') discriminates against another person (in this
sub-section referred to as the ''aggrieved person'') on the ground of the sex
of the aggrieved person if the discriminator requires the aggrieved person to
comply with a requirement or condition-

  (a) with which a substantially higher proportion of persons of the opposite
sex to the aggrieved person comply or are able to comply;

  (b) which is not reasonable having regard to the circumstances of the case;
and

  (c) with which the aggrieved person does not or is not able to comply.


SEX DISCRIMINATION ACT 1984 No. 4, 1984 - SECT. 6.
Discrimination on the ground of marital status



  6. (1) For the purposes of this Act, a person (in this sub-section referred
to as the ''discriminator'') discriminates against another person (in this
sub-section referred to as the ''aggrieved person'') on the ground of the

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marital status of the aggrieved person if, by reason of-

  (a) the marital status of the aggrieved person;

  (b) a characteristic that appertains generally to persons of the marital
status of the aggrieved person; or

  (c) a characteristic that is generally imputed to persons of the marital
status of the aggrieved person,
the discriminator treats the aggrieved person less favourably than, in
circumstances that are the same or are not materially different, the
discriminator treats or would treat a person of a different marital status.

  (2) For the purposes of this Act, a person (in this sub-section referred to
as the ''discriminator'') discriminates against another person (in this
sub-section referred to as the ''aggrieved person'') on the ground of the
marital status of the aggrieved person if the discriminator requires the
aggrieved person to comply with a requirement or condition-

  (a) with which a substantially higher proportion of persons not of the same
marital status as the aggrieved person comply or are able to comply;

  (b) which is not reasonable having regard to the circumstances of the case;
and

  (c) with which the aggrieved person does not or is not able to comply.


SEX DISCRIMINATION ACT 1984 No. 4, 1984 - SECT. 7.
Discrimination on the ground of pregnancy



  7. (1) For the purposes of this Act, a person (in this sub-section referred
to as the ''discriminator'') discriminates against another person (in this
sub-section referred to as the ''aggrieved person'') on the ground of the
pregnancy of the aggrieved person if-

  (a)  by reason of-

      (i)  the pregnancy of the aggrieved person;

     (ii)  a characteristic that appertains generally to persons who are
pregnant; or

     (iii)  a characteristic that is generally imputed to persons who are
pregnant,

    the discriminator treats the aggrieved person less favourably than, in
circumstances that are the same or are not materially different, the
discriminator treats or would treat a person who is not pregnant; and

  (b)  the less favourable treatment is not reasonable in the circumstances.

  (2) For the purposes of this Act, a person (in this sub-section referred to
as the ''discriminator'') discriminates against another person (in this
sub-section referred to as the ''aggrieved person'') on the ground of the
pregnancy of the aggrieved person if the discriminator requires the aggrieved
person to comply with a requirement or condition-

  (a)  with which a substantially higher proportion of persons who are not
pregnant comply or are able to comply;

  (b)  which is not reasonable having regard to the circumstances of the case;
and

  (c)  with which the aggrieved person does not or is not able to comply.


SEX DISCRIMINATION ACT 1984 No. 4, 1984 - SECT. 8.
Act done for 2 or more reasons



  8. A reference in sub-section 5 (1), 6 (1) or 7 (1) to the doing of an act
by reason of a particular matter includes a reference to the doing of such an
act by reason of 2 or more matters that include the particular matter, whether
or not the particular matter is the dominant or substantial reason for the
doing of the act.


SEX DISCRIMINATION ACT 1984 No. 4, 1984 - SECT. 9.
Application of Act



  9. (1) In this section-

  ''Australia'' includes the external Territories;

  ''prescribed provisions of Part II'' means the provisions of Divisions 1 and
2 of Part II other than sections 19, 26 and 27.

  (2) Subject to this section, this Act applies throughout Australia.

  (3) This Act has effect in relation to acts done within a Territory.

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  (4) The prescribed provisions of Part II, and the provisions of Division 3
of Part II, have effect as provided by sub-section (3) of this section and the
following provisions of this section and not otherwise.

  (5) Sections 14, 15, 16 and 28 have effect in relation to discrimination
against, and sexual harassment of-

  (a)  Commonwealth employees in connection with their employment as
Commonwealth employees; and

  (b)  persons seeking to become Commonwealth employees.

  (6) Section 18 has effect in relation to discrimination by an authority or
body in the exercise of a power under a Commonwealth law to confer, renew,
extend, revoke or withdraw an authorization or qualification.

  (7) The prescribed provisions of Part II have effect in relation to acts
done, by or on behalf of-

  (a)  the Commonwealth or the Administration of a Territory; or

  (b)  a body or authority established for a public purpose by a law of the
Commonwealth or a law of a Territory,
in the exercise of a power conferred by a law of the Commonwealth or a law of
a Territory.

  (8) The provisions of Division 3 of Part II have effect in relation to acts
done by a person exercising, by or on behalf of-

  (a)  the Commonwealth or the Administration of a Territory; or

  (b)  a body or authority established for a public purpose by a law of the
Commonwealth or a law of a Territory,
a power conferred by a law of the Commonwealth or a law of a Territory, being
acts done by the person in connection with the exercise of that power.

  (9) The provisions of Division 3 of Part II have effect in relation to acts
done by a person who is a Commonwealth employee in connection with the
person's duties as a Commonwealth employee or done by a person who is a member
of the staff of an educational institution established by a law of the
Commonwealth or a law of a Territory in connection with the person's duties as
a member of the staff of such an educational institution.

  (10) If the Convention is in force in relation to Australia, the prescribed
provisions of Part II, and the provisions of Division 3 of Part II, have
effect in relation to discrimination against women, to the extent that the
provisions give effect to the Convention.

  (11) The prescribed provisions of Part II have effect in relation to
discrimination by a foreign corporation, or a trading or financial corporation
formed within the limits of the Commonwealth, or by a person in the course of
the person's duties or purported duties as an officer or employee of such a
corporation.

  (12) The provisions of Division 3 of Part II have effect in relation to acts
done, by a person who is an officer or employee of a foreign corporation, or
of a trading or financial corporation formed within the limits of the
Commonwealth, in connection with the person's duties as such an officer or
employee.

  (13) Without prejudice to the effect of sub-section (11), the prescribed
provisions of Part II have effect in relation to discrimination by a trading
or financial corporation formed within the limits of the Commonwealth, or by a
person in the course of the person's duties or purported duties as an officer
or employee of such a corporation, to the extent that the discrimination takes
place in the course of the trading activities of the trading corporation or
the financial activities of the financial corporation, as the case may be.

  (14) Without prejudice to the effect of sub-section (12), the provisions of
Division 3 of Part II have effect in relation to acts done, by a person who is
an officer or employee of a trading or financial corporation formed within the
limits of the Commonwealth, in connection with any of the person's duties as
such an officer or employee that relate to the trading activities of the
trading corporation or the financial activities of the financial corporation,
as the case may be.

  (15) The prescribed provisions of Part II have effect in relation to
discrimination in the course of, or in relation to, the carrying on of the
business of-

  (a)  banking, other than State banking not extending beyond the limits of
the State concerned; or

  (b)  insurance, other than State insurance not extending beyond the limits
of the State concerned.

  (16) The provisions of Division 3 of Part II have effect in relation to acts
done in the course of, or in relation to, the carrying on of the business of-

  (a)  banking, other than State banking not extending beyond the limits of
the State concerned; or


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  (b)  insurance, other than State insurance not extending beyond the limits
of the State concerned.

  (17) The prescribed provisions of Part II have effect in relation to
discrimination in the course of, or in relation to, trade or commerce-

  (a)  between Australia and a place outside Australia;

  (b)  among the States;

  (c)  between a State and a Territory; or

  (d)  between 2 Territories.

  (18) The provisions of Division 3 of Part II have effect in relation to acts
done in the course of, or in relation to, trade or commerce-

  (a)  between Australia and a place outside Australia;

  (b)  among the States;

  (c)  between a State and a Territory; or

  (d)  between 2 Territories.

  (19) The prescribed provisions of Part II have effect in relation to
discrimination within Australia involving persons or things, or matters
arising, outside Australia.

  (20) The provisions of Division 3 of Part II have effect in relation to acts
done within Australia involving persons or things, or matters arising, outside
Australia.


SEX DISCRIMINATION ACT 1984 No. 4, 1984 - SECT. 10.
Operation of State and Territory laws



  10. (1) A reference in this section to this Act is a reference to this Act
as it has effect by virtue of any of the provisions of section 9 other than
sub-section 9 (10).

  (2) A reference in this section to a law of a State or Territory is a
reference to a law of a State or Territory that deals with discrimination on
the ground of sex, discrimination on the ground of marital status or
discrimination on the ground of pregnancy.

  (3) This Act is not intended to exclude or limit the operation of a law of a
State or Territory that is capable of operating concurrently with this Act.

  (4) Where-

  (a)  a law of a State or Territory deals with a matter dealt with by this
Act; and

  (b)  a person has made a complaint, instituted a proceeding or taken any
other action under that law in respect of an act or omission in respect of
which the person would, but for this sub-section, have been entitled to make a
complaint under this Act,
the person is not entitled to make a complaint or institute a proceeding under
this Act in respect of that act or omission.

  (5) Where-

  (a)  a law of a State or Territory deals with a matter dealt with by this
Act; and

  (b)  an act or omission by a person that constitutes an offence against that
law also constitutes an offence against this Act,
the person may be prosecuted and convicted either under that law of the State
or Territory or under this Act, but nothing in this sub-section renders a
person liable to be punished more than once in respect of the same act or
omission.


SEX DISCRIMINATION ACT 1984 No. 4, 1984 - SECT. 11.
Operation of State and Territory laws that further objects of Convention



  11. (1) A reference in this section to this Act is a reference to this Act
as it has effect by virtue of sub-section 9 (10).

  (2) A reference in this section to a law of a State or Territory is a
reference to a law of a State or Territory that deals with discrimination on
the ground of sex, discrimination on the ground of marital status or
discrimination on the ground of pregnancy.

  (3) This Act is not intended to exclude or limit the operation of a law of a
State or Territory that furthers the objects of the Convention and is capable
of operating concurrently with this Act.

  (4) Where-

  (a)  a law of a State or Territory that furthers the objects of the
Convention deals with a matter dealt with by this Act; and

  (b)  a person has made a complaint, instituted a proceeding or taken any

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other action under that law in respect of an act or omission in respect of
which the person would, but for this sub-section, have been entitled to make a
complaint under this Act,
the person is not entitled to make a complaint or institute a proceeding under
this Act in respect of that act or omission.

  (5) Where-

  (a)  a law of a State or Territory that furthers the objects of the
Convention deals with a matter dealt with by this Act; and

  (b)  an act or omission by a person that constitutes an offence against that
law also constitutes an offence against this Act,
the person may be prosecuted and convicted either under that law of the State
or Territory or under this Act, but nothing in this sub-section renders a
person liable to be punished more than once in respect of the same act or
omission.


SEX DISCRIMINATION ACT 1984 No. 4, 1984 - SECT. 12.
Extent to which Act binds the Crown



  12. (1) This Act binds the Crown in right of the Commonwealth and of Norfolk
Island but, except as otherwise expressly provided by this Act, does not bind
the Crown in right of a State.

  (2) Nothing in this Act renders the Crown in right of the Commonwealth, of a
State or of Norfolk Island liable to be prosecuted for an offence.


SEX DISCRIMINATION ACT 1984 No. 4, 1984 - SECT. 13.
Extent to which Act applies to instrumentalities of States



  13. (1) Section 14 does not apply in relation to employment by an
instrumentality of a State.

  (2) Section 28 does not apply in relation to an act done by an employee of a
State or of an instrumentality of a State.


SEX DISCRIMINATION ACT 1984 No. 4, 1984 - SECT. 14.
Discrimination against applicants and employees


                   PART II - PROHIBITION OF DISCRIMINATION

                       Division 1-Discrimination in Work

  14. (1) It is unlawful for an employer to discriminate against a person on
the ground of the person's sex, marital status or pregnancy-

  (a)  in the arrangements made for the purpose of determining who should be
offered employment;

  (b)  in determining who should be offered employment; or

  (c)  in the terms or conditions on which employment is offered.

  (2) It is unlawful for an employer to discriminate against an employee on
the ground of the employee's sex, marital status or pregnancy-

  (a)  in the terms or conditions of employment that the employer affords the
employee;

  (b)  by denying the employee access, or limiting the employee's access, to
opportunities for promotion, transfer or training, or to any other benefits
associated with employment;

  (c)  by dismissing the employee; or

  (d)  by subjecting the employee to any other detriment.

  (3) Nothing in paragraph (1) (a) or (b) renders it unlawful for a person to
discriminate against another person, on the ground of the other person's sex,
in connection with employment to perform domestic duties on the premises on
which the first-mentioned person resides.


SEX DISCRIMINATION ACT 1984 No. 4, 1984 - SECT. 15.
Discrimination against commission agents



  15. (1) It is unlawful for a principal to discriminate against a person on
the ground of the person's sex, marital status or pregnancy-

  (a)  in the arrangements the principal makes for the purpose of determining
who should be engaged as a commission agent;

  (b)  in determining who should be engaged as a commission agent; or

  (c)  in the terms or conditions on which the person is engaged as a
commission agent.

  (2) It is unlawful for a principal to discriminate against a commission
agent on the ground of the commission agent's sex, marital status or
pregnancy-


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  (a)  in the terms or conditions that the principal affords the commission
agent as a commission agent;

  (b)  by denying the commission agent access, or limiting the commission
agent's access, to opportunities for promotion, transfer or training, or to
any other benefits associated with the position as a commission agent;

  (c)  by terminating the engagement; or

  (d)  by subjecting the commission agent to any other detriment.


SEX DISCRIMINATION ACT 1984 No. 4, 1984 - SECT. 16.
Discrimination against contract workers



  16. It is unlawful for a principal to discriminate against a contract worker
on the ground of the contract worker's sex, marital status or pregnancy-

  (a)  in the terms or conditions on which the principal allows the contract
worker to work;

  (b)  by not allowing the contract worker to work or continue to work;

  (c)  by denying the contract worker access, or limiting the contract
worker's access, to any benefit associated with the work in respect of which
the contract with the employer is made; or

  (d)  by subjecting the contract worker to any other detriment.


SEX DISCRIMINATION ACT 1984 No. 4, 1984 - SECT. 17.
Partnerships



  17. (1) It is unlawful for 6 or more persons, being persons who are
proposing to form themselves into a partnership, to discriminate against a
person on the ground of the person's sex, marital status or pregnancy-

  (a)  in determining who should be invited to become a partner in the
partnership; or

  (b)  in the terms or conditions on which the person is invited to become a
partner in the partnership.

  (2) It is unlawful for any one or more of the partners in a partnership
consisting of 6 or more partners to discriminate against a person on the
ground of the person's sex, marital status or pregnancy-

  (a)  in determining who should be invited to become a partner in the
partnership; or

  (b)  in the terms or conditions on which the person is invited to become a
partner in the partnership.

  (3) It is unlawful for any one or more of the partners in a partnership
consisting of 6 or more partners to discriminate against a partner in the
partnership on the ground of the partner's sex, marital status or pregnancy-

  (a)  by denying the partner access, or limiting the partner's access, to any
benefit arising from being a partner in the partnership;

  (b)  by expelling the partner from the partnership; or

  (c)  by subjecting the partner to any other detriment.


SEX DISCRIMINATION ACT 1984 No. 4, 1984 - SECT. 18.
Qualifying bodies



  18. It is unlawful for an authority or body that is empowered to confer,
renew, extend, revoke or withdraw an authorization or qualification that is
needed for or facilitates the practice of a profession, the carrying on of a
trade or the engaging in of an occupation to discriminate against a person on
the ground of the person's sex, marital status or pregnancy-

  (a)  by refusing or failing to confer, renew or extend the authorization or
qualification;

  (b)  in the terms or conditions on which it is prepared to confer the
authorization or qualification or to renew or extend the authorization or
qualification; or

  (c)  by revoking or withdrawing the authorization or qualification or
varying the terms or conditions upon which it is held.


SEX DISCRIMINATION ACT 1984 No. 4, 1984 - SECT. 19.
Registered organizations under the Conciliation and Arbitration Act



  19. (1) It is unlawful for a registered organization, the committee of
management of a registered organization or a member of the committee of

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management of a registered organization to discriminate against a person, on
the ground of the person's sex, marital status or pregnancy-

  (a)  by refusing or failing to accept the person's application for
membership; or

  (b)  in the terms or conditions on which the organization is prepared to
admit the person to membership.

  (2) It is unlawful for a registered organization, the committee of
management of a registered organization or a member of the committee of
management of a registered organization to discriminate against a person who
is a member of the registered organization, on the ground of the member's sex,
marital status or pregnancy-

  (a)  by denying the member access, or limiting the member's access, to any
benefit provided by the organization;

  (b)  by depriving the member of membership or varying the terms of
membership; or

  (c)  by subjecting the member to any other detriment.


SEX DISCRIMINATION ACT 1984 No. 4, 1984 - SECT. 20.
Employment agencies



  20. It is unlawful for an employment agency to discriminate against a person
on the ground of the person's sex, marital status or pregnancy-

  (a)  by refusing to provide the person with any of its services;

  (b)  in the terms or conditions on which it offers to provide the person
with any of its services; or

  (c)  in the manner in which it provides the person with any of its
services.


SEX DISCRIMINATION ACT 1984 No. 4, 1984 - SECT. 21.
Education


                    Division 2-Discrimination in Other Areas

  21. (1) It is unlawful for an educational authority to discriminate against
a person on the ground of the person's sex, marital status or pregnancy-

  (a)  by refusing or failing to accept the person's application for admission
as a student; or

  (b)  in the terms or conditions on which it is prepared to admit the person
as a student.

  (2) It is unlawful for an educational authority to discriminate against a
student on the ground of the student's sex, marital status or pregnancy-

  (a)  by denying the student access, or limiting the student's access, to any
benefit provided by the educational authority;

  (b)  by expelling the student; or

  (c)  by subjecting the student to any other detriment.

  (3) Nothing in this section applies to or in respect of a refusal or failure
to accept a person's application for admission as a student at an educational
institution where-

  (a)  the educational institution is conducted solely for students of the
opposite sex to the sex of the applicant; or

  (b)  except in the case of an institution of tertiary education-education or
training at the level at which the applicant is seeking education or training
is provided by the educational institution only or mainly for students of the
opposite sex to the sex of the applicant.

  (4) This section binds the Crown in right of a State.


SEX DISCRIMINATION ACT 1984 No. 4, 1984 - SECT. 22.
Goods, services and facilities



  22. (1) It is unlawful for a person who, whether for payment or not,
provides goods or services, or makes facilities available, to discriminate
against another person on the ground of the other person's sex, marital status
or pregnancy-

  (a)  by refusing to provide the other person with those goods or services or
to make those facilities available to the other person;

  (b)  in the terms or conditions on which the first-mentioned person provides
the other person with those goods or services or makes those facilities

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available to the other person; or

  (c)  in the manner in which the first-mentioned person provides the other
person with those goods or services or makes those facilities available to the
other person.

  (2) This section binds the Crown in right of a State.


SEX DISCRIMINATION ACT 1984 No. 4, 1984 - SECT. 23.
Accommodation



  23. (1) It is unlawful for a person, whether as principal or agent, to
discriminate against another person on the ground of the other person's sex,
marital status or pregnancy-

  (a)  by refusing the other person's application for accommodation;

  (b)  in the terms or conditions on which accommodation is offered to the
other person; or

  (c)  by deferring the other person's application for accommodation or
according to the other person a lower order of precedence in any list of
applicants for that accommodation.

  (2) It is unlawful for a person, whether as principal or agent, to
discriminate against another person on the ground of the other person's sex,
marital status or pregnancy-

  (a)  by denying the other person access, or limiting the other person's
access, to any benefit associated with accommodation occupied by the other
person;

  (b)  by evicting the other person from accommodation occupied by the other
person; or

  (c)  by subjecting the other person to any other detriment in relation to
accommodation occupied by the other person.

  (3) Nothing in this section applies to or in respect of-

  (a)  the provision of accommodation in premises if-

      (i)  the person who provides or proposes to provide the accommodation or
a near relative of that person resides, and intends to continue to reside, on
those premises; and

     (ii)  the accommodation provided in those premises is for no more than 3
persons other than a person referred to in sub-paragraph (i) or near relatives
of such a person;

  (b)  accommodation provided by a religious body; or

  (c)  accommodation provided by a charitable or other non-profit-making body
solely for persons of one sex or solely for persons of a particular marital
status or particular marital statuses.

  (4) This section binds the Crown in right of a State.


SEX DISCRIMINATION ACT 1984 No. 4, 1984 - SECT. 24.
Land



  24. (1) It is unlawful for a person, whether as principal or agent, to
discriminate against another person on the ground of the other person's sex,
marital status or pregnancy-

  (a)  by refusing or failing to dispose of an estate or interest in land to
the other person; or
  (b)  in the terms or conditions on which an estate or interest in land is
offered to the other person.

  (2) This section does not apply in relation to a disposal of an estate or
interest in land by will or by way of gift.

  (3) This section binds the Crown in right of a State.


SEX DISCRIMINATION ACT 1984 No. 4, 1984 - SECT. 25.
Clubs



  25. (1) It is unlawful for a club, the committee of management of a club or
a member of the committee of management of a club to discriminate against a
person who is not a member of the club on the ground of the person's sex,
marital status or pregnancy-

  (a)  by refusing or failing to accept the person's application for
membership; or

  (b)  in the terms or conditions on which the club is prepared to admit the
person to membership.

  (2) It is unlawful for a club, the committee of management of a club or a

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member of the committee of management of a club to discriminate against a
person who is a member of the club on the ground of the member's sex, marital
status or pregnancy-

  (a)  in the terms or conditions of membership that are afforded to the
member; 

  (b)  by refusing or failing to accept the member's application for a
particular class or type of membership;

  (c)  by denying the member access, or limiting the member's access, to any
benefit provided by the club;

  (d)  by depriving the member of membership or varying the terms of
membership; or

  (e)  by subjecting the member to any other detriment.

  (3) Nothing in sub-section (1) or (2) renders it unlawful to discriminate
against a person on the ground of the person's sex if membership of the club
is available to persons of the opposite sex only.

  (4) Nothing in sub-section (1), other than paragraph (1) (a), or sub-section
(2) renders it unlawful to discriminate against a person on the ground of the
person's sex if the discrimination occurs in relation to the use or enjoyment
of any benefit provided by the club where-

  (a)  it is not practicable for the benefit to be used or enjoyed-

      (i)  simultaneously; or

     (ii)  to the same extent,

    by both men and women; and

  (b)  either-

      (i)  the same, or an equivalent, benefit is provided for the use of men
and women separately from each other; or

     (ii)  men and women are each entitled to a fair and reasonable proportion
of the use and enjoyment of the benefit.

  (5) In determining any matter relating to the application of sub-section
(4), regard shall be had to-

  (a)  the purposes for which the club is established;

  (b)  the membership of the club, including any class or type of membership;

  (c)  the nature of the benefits provided by the club;

  (d)  the opportunities for the use and enjoyment of those benefits by men
and women; and

  (e)  any other relevant circumstances.


SEX DISCRIMINATION ACT 1984 No. 4, 1984 - SECT. 26.
Administration of Commonwealth laws and programs



  26. (1) It is unlawful for a person who performs any function or exercises
any power under a Commonwealth law or for the purposes of a Commonwealth
program, or has any other responsibility for the administration of a
Commonwealth law or the conduct of a Commonwealth program, to discriminate
against another person, on the ground of the other person's sex, marital
status or pregnancy, in the performance of that function, the exercise of that
power or the fulfilment of that responsibility.

  (2) This section binds the Crown in right of a State.


SEX DISCRIMINATION ACT 1984 No. 4, 1984 - SECT. 27.
Application forms, &c.;



  27. (1) Where, by virtue of a provision of Division 1 or this Division, it
would be unlawful, in particular circumstances, for a person to discriminate
against another person, on the ground of the other person's sex, marital
status or pregnancy, in doing a particular act, it is unlawful for the
first-mentioned person to request or require the other person to provide, in
connection with or for the purposes of the doing of the act, information
(whether by way of completing a form or otherwise) that persons of the
opposite sex or of a different marital status, or persons who are not
pregnant, as the case requires, would not, in circumstances that are the same
or not materially different, be requested or required to provide.

  (2) Nothing in sub-section (1) renders it unlawful for a person to request
or require-


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  (a)  a person of a particular sex to provide information concerning such
part of the last-mentioned person's medical history as relates to medical
conditions that affect persons of that sex only; or

  (b)  a person who is pregnant to provide medical information concerning the
pregnancy.

  (3) This section binds the Crown in right of a State.


SEX DISCRIMINATION ACT 1984 No. 4, 1984 - SECT. 28.
Sexual harassment in employment


             Division 3-Discrimination Involving Sexual Harassment

  28. (1) It is unlawful for a person to harass sexually-

  (a)  an employee of that person;

  (b)  an employee of a person by whom the first-mentioned person is employed;
or

  (c)  a person who is seeking employment by the first-mentioned person or by
an employer of the first-mentioned person.

  (2) It is unlawful for a person to harass sexually-

  (a)  a commission agent or contract worker of that person;

  (b)  a commission agent or contract worker of a person of whom the
first-mentioned person is a commission agent or contract worker; or

  (c)  a person who is seeking to become a commission agent or contract worker
of the first-mentioned person or of a person of whom the first-mentioned
person is a commission agent or contract worker.

  (3) A person shall, for the purposes of this section, be taken to harass
sexually another person if the first-mentioned person makes an unwelcome
sexual advance, or an unwelcome request for sexual favours, to the other
person, or engages in other unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature in relation
to the other person, and-

  (a)  the other person has reasonable grounds for believing that a rejection
of the advance, a refusal of the request or the taking of objection to the
conduct would disadvantage the other person in any way in connection with the
other person's employment or work or possible employment or possible work; or

  (b)  as a result of the other person's rejection of the advance, refusal of
the request or taking of objection to the conduct, the other person is
disadvantaged in any way in connection with the other person's employment or
work or possible employment or possible work.

  (4) A reference in sub-section (3) to conduct of a sexual nature in relation
to a person includes a reference to the making, to, or in the presence of, a
person, of a statement of a sexual nature concerning that person, whether the
statement is made orally or in writing.


SEX DISCRIMINATION ACT 1984 No. 4, 1984 - SECT. 29.
Sexual harassment in education



  29. (1) It is unlawful for a person who is a member of the staff of an
educational institution to harass sexually a person who is a student at that
educational institution or is seeking admission to that educational
institution as a student.

  (2) A person shall, for the purposes of this section, be taken to harass
sexually another person if the first-mentioned person makes an unwelcome
sexual advance, or an unwelcome request for sexual favours, to the other
person, or engages in other unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature in relation
to the other person, and-

  (a)  the other person has reasonable grounds for believing that a rejection
of the advance, a refusal of the request or the taking of objection to the
conduct would disadvantage the other person in any way in connection with the
other person's studies or the other person's application for admission to an
educational institution as a student; or

  (b)  as a result of the other person's rejection of the advance, refusal of
the request or taking of objection to the conduct, the other person is
disadvantaged in any way in connection with the other person's studies or the
other person's application for admission to an educational institution as a
student.

  (3) A reference in sub-section (2) to conduct of a sexual nature in relation
to a person includes a reference to the making, to, or in the presence of, a
person, of a statement of a sexual nature concerning that person, whether the
statement is made orally or in writing.


SEX DISCRIMINATION ACT 1984 No. 4, 1984 - SECT. 30.
Certain discrimination on ground of sex not unlawful


                             Division 4-Exemptions

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  30. (1) Nothing in paragraph 14 (1) (a) or (b), 15 (1) (a) or (b) or 16 (b)
renders it unlawful for a person to discriminate against another person, on
the ground of the other person's sex, in connection with a position as an
employee, commission agent or contract worker, being a position in relation to
which it is a genuine occupational qualification to be a person of the
opposite sex to the sex of the other person.

  (2) Without limiting the generality of sub-section (1), it is a genuine
occupational qualification, in relation to a particular position, to be a
person of a particular sex (in this sub-section referred to as the ''relevant
sex'') if-

  (a)  the duties of the position can be performed only by a person having
particular physical attributes (other than attributes of strength or stamina)
that are not possessed by persons of the opposite sex to the relevant sex;

  (b)  the duties of the position involve performing in a dramatic performance
or other entertainment in a role that, for reasons of authenticity, aesthetics
or tradition, is required to be performed by a person of the relevant sex;

  (c)  the duties of the position need to be performed by a person of the
relevant sex to preserve decency or privacy because they involve the fitting
of clothing for persons of that sex;

  (d)  the duties of the position include the conduct of searches of the
clothing or bodies of persons of the relevant sex;

  (e)  the occupant of the position is required to enter a lavatory ordinarily
used by persons of the relevant sex while the lavatory is in use by persons of
that sex;

  (f)  the occupant of the position is required to live on premises provided
by the employer or principal of the occupant of the position and-

      (i)  the premises are not equipped with separate sleeping accommodation
and sanitary facilities for persons of each sex;

     (ii)  the premises are already occupied by a person or persons of the
relevant sex and are not occupied by any person of the opposite sex to the
relevant sex; and

     (iii)  it is not reasonable to expect the employer or principal to
provide separate sleeping accommodation and sanitary facilities for persons of
each sex; 

  (g)  the occupant of the position is required to enter areas ordinarily used
only by persons of the relevant sex while those persons are in a state of
undress; or

  (h)  the position is declared, by regulations made for the purposes of this
paragraph, to be a position in relation to which it is a genuine occupational
qualification to be a person of a particular sex.


SEX DISCRIMINATION ACT 1984 No. 4, 1984 - SECT. 31.
Pregnancy or childbirth



  31. Nothing in Division 1 or 2 renders it unlawful for a person to
discriminate against a man on the ground of his sex by reason only of the fact
that the first-mentioned person grants to a woman rights or privileges in
connection with pregnancy or childbirth.


SEX DISCRIMINATION ACT 1984 No. 4, 1984 - SECT. 32.
Services for members of one sex



  32. Nothing in Division 1 or 2 applies to or in relation to the provision of
services the nature of which is such that they can only be provided to members
of one sex.


SEX DISCRIMINATION ACT 1984 No. 4, 1984 - SECT. 33.
Measures intended to achieve equality



  33. Nothing in Division 1 or 2 renders it unlawful to do an act a purpose of
which is to ensure that persons of a particular sex or marital status or
persons who are pregnant have equal opportunities with other persons in
circumstances in relation to which provision is made by this Act.


SEX DISCRIMINATION ACT 1984 No. 4, 1984 - SECT. 34.
Accommodation provided for employees or students



  34. (1) Nothing in Division 1 or 2 renders it unlawful for an employer who
provides accommodation to employees of the employer to provide accommodation
of different standards to different employees where-

  (a)  the standard of the accommodation provided to each employee is

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determined having regard to the number of persons in the household of the
employee; and

  (b)  it is not reasonable to expect the employer to provide accommodation of
the same standard for all employees.

  (2) Nothing in Division 1 or 2 applies to or in relation to the provision of
accommodation, where the accommodation is provided solely for persons of one
sex who are students at an educational institution.


SEX DISCRIMINATION ACT 1984 No. 4, 1984 - SECT. 35.
Residential care of children



  35. (1) Nothing in paragraph 14 (1) (a) or (b) or 16 (b) renders it unlawful
for a person to discriminate against another person on the ground of the other
person's sex in connection with a position as an employee or contract worker,
where the duties of the position involve the care of a child or children in
the place where the child or children resides or reside.

  (2) Nothing in paragraph 14 (1) (a) or (b), 14 (2) (c) or 16 (b) renders it
unlawful for a person to discriminate against another person on the ground of
the other person's marital status in connection with a position as an employee
or contract worker of a particular employer or principal, where-

  (a)  the duties of the position involve the care of a child or children in
the place where the child or children resides or reside; and

  (b)  it is intended that the spouse of the occupant of the position would
also occupy a position as an employee or contract worker of that employer or
principal.


SEX DISCRIMINATION ACT 1984 No. 4, 1984 - SECT. 36.
Charities



  36. (1) Nothing in Division 1 or 2 affects-

  (a)  a provision of a deed, will or other document, whether made before or
after the commencement of this Act, that confers charitable benefits or
enables charitable benefits to be conferred on persons of a class identified
by reference to any one or more of the grounds of discrimination referred to
in this Act; or

  (b)  an act that is done in order to give effect to such a provision.

  (2) In this section-

  ''Australia'' includes the external Territories;

  ''charitable benefits'' means benefits for purposes that are exclusively
charitable according to the law in force in any part of Australia.


SEX DISCRIMINATION ACT 1984 No. 4, 1984 - SECT. 37.
Religious bodies



  37. Nothing in Division 1 or 2 affects-

  (a)  the ordination or appointment of priests, ministers of religion or
members of any religious order;

  (b)  the training or education of persons seeking ordination or appointment
as priests, ministers of religion or members of a religious order;

  (c)  the selection or appointment of persons to perform duties or functions
for the purposes of or in connection with, or otherwise to participate in, any
religious observance or practice; or

  (d)  any other act or practice of a body established for religious purposes,
being an act or practice that conforms to the doctrines, tenets or beliefs of
that religion or is necessary to avoid injury to the religious
susceptibilities of adherents of that religion.


SEX DISCRIMINATION ACT 1984 No. 4, 1984 - SECT. 38.
Educational institutions established for religious purposes



  38. (1) Nothing in paragraph 14 (1) (a) or (b) or 14 (2) (c) renders it
unlawful for a person to discriminate against another person on the ground of
the other person's sex, marital status or pregnancy in connection with
employment as a member of the staff of an educational institution that is
conducted in accordance with the doctrines, tenets, beliefs or teachings of a
particular religion or creed, if the first-mentioned person so discriminates
in good faith in order to avoid injury to the religious susceptibilities of
adherents of that religion or creed.

  (2) Nothing in paragraph 16 (b) renders it unlawful for a person to
discriminate against another person on the ground of the other person's sex,
marital status or pregnancy in connection with a position as a contract worker
that involves the doing of work in an educational institution that is
conducted in accordance with the doctrines, tenets, beliefs or teachings of a

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particular religion or creed, if the first-mentioned person so discriminates
in good faith in order to avoid injury to the religious susceptibilities of
adherents of that religion or creed.

  (3) Nothing in section 21 renders it unlawful for a person to discriminate
against another person on the ground of the other person's marital status or
pregnancy in connection with the provision of education or training by an
educational institution that is conducted in accordance with the doctrines,
tenets, beliefs or teachings of a particular religion or creed, if the
first-mentioned person so discriminates in good faith in order to avoid injury
to the religious susceptibilities of adherents of that religion or creed.


SEX DISCRIMINATION ACT 1984 No. 4, 1984 - SECT. 39.
Voluntary bodies



  39. Nothing in Division 1 or 2 renders it unlawful for a voluntary body to
discriminate against a person, on the ground of the person's sex, marital
status or pregnancy, in connection with-

  (a)  the admission of persons as members of the body; or

  (b)  the provision of benefits, facilities or services to members of the
body. 


SEX DISCRIMINATION ACT 1984 No. 4, 1984 - SECT. 40.
Acts done under statutory authority



  40. (1) Nothing in Division 1 or 2 affects anything done by a person in
direct compliance with-

  (a)  any other Act, any State Act, or any law of a Territory, in force at
the commencement of this Act;

  (b)  a regulation, rule, by-law, determination or direction in force at the
commencement of this Act made under an Act, State Act or law of a Territory;

  (c)  a determination or decision of the Commission;

  (d)  an order of a court; or

  (e)  an order or award of a court or tribunal having power to fix minimum
wages and other terms and conditions of employment.

  (2) Except in relation to the operation of-

  (a)  the Social Security Act 1947;

  (b)  the Compensation (Commonwealth Government Employees) Act 1971;

  (c)  the Repatriation Act 1920;

  (d)  the Seamen's War Pensions and Allowances Act 1940; and

  (e)  the Papua New Guinea (Members of the Forces Benefits) Act 1957,
paragraphs (1) (a) and (b) shall, except to the extent that regulations made
for the purposes of this sub-section otherwise provide, cease to be in force
at the expiration of 2 years after the commencement of this Act.

  (3) Regulations made for the purposes of sub-section (2) may provide
generally in relation to the application of paragraphs (1) (a) and (b) or may
make provision in relation to the application of paragraph (1) (a) or (b) in
relation to specified legislation.

  (4) Where paragraph (1) (a) or (b) ceases, by virtue of sub-section (2) or
of regulations made under that sub-section, to be in force, whether generally
or in relation to particular legislation, that paragraph shall, to the extent
that it so ceases to be in force, be deemed for all purposes to have been
repealed by an Act other than this Act.

  (5) The reference in sub-section (2) to the Repatriation Act 1920
 includes a reference to that Act as it has effect by virtue of the operation
of the Interim Forces Benefits Act 1947, the Repatriation (Far East Strategic
Reserve) Act 1956 or the Repatriation (Special Overseas Service) Act 1962.

  (6) Nothing in Division 1 or 2 affects anything done by a person in
compliance with a provision of a law of the Commonwealth, of a State or of a
Territory, being a provision that is included for the purpose referred to in
section 33.


SEX DISCRIMINATION ACT 1984 No. 4, 1984 - SECT. 41.
Superannuation and insurance



  41. (1) Nothing in Division 1 or 2 renders it unlawful for a person to
discriminate against another person, on the ground of the other person's sex
or marital status, in the terms or conditions appertaining to a superannuation
or provident fund or scheme.

  (2) Sub-section (1) may be repealed by a regulation, and such a regulation
shall come into operation-


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  (a)  on a date specified in the regulation, being a date not earlier than 12
months after the making of the regulation; or

  (b)  at the expiration of the period of 2 years immediately after the
commencement of this Act,
whichever is later.

  (3) Where a regulation made under sub-section (2) comes into operation,
sub-section (1) shall thereupon be deemed for all purposes to have been
repealed by an Act other than this Act.

  (4) Nothing in Division 1 or 2 renders it unlawful for a person to
discriminate against another person, on the ground of the other person's sex,
with respect to the terms on which an annuity, a life assurance policy, a
policy of insurance against accident or any other policy of insurance is
offered to, or may be obtained by, the other person, where the discrimination
is-

  (a)  based upon actuarial or statistical data from a source on which it is
reasonable for the first-mentioned person to rely; and

  (b)  reasonable having regard to the matter of the data and any other
relevant factors.


SEX DISCRIMINATION ACT 1984 No. 4, 1984 - SECT. 42.
Sport



  42. (1) Nothing in Division 1 or 2 renders it unlawful to exclude persons of
one sex from participation in any competitive sporting activity in which the
strength, stamina or physique of competitors is relevant.

  (2) Sub-section (1) does not apply in relation to the exclusion of persons
from participation in-

  (a)  the coaching of persons engaged in any sporting activity;

  (b)  the umpiring or refereeing of any sporting activity;

  (c)  the administration of any sporting activity;

  (d)  any prescribed sporting activity; or

  (e)  sporting activities by children who have not yet attained the age of 12
years.


SEX DISCRIMINATION ACT 1984 No. 4, 1984 - SECT. 43.
Combat duties, &c.;



  43. (1) Nothing in Division 1 or 2 renders it unlawful for a person to
discriminate against a woman on the ground of her sex in connection with
employment, engagement or appointment in the Defence Force-

  (a)  in a position involving the performance of combat duties or
combat-related duties; or

  (b)  in prescribed circumstances in relation to combat duties or
combat-related duties.

  (2) In this section-

  ''combat duties'' means such duties as are declared by the regulations to be
combat duties for the purposes of this section;

  ''combat-related duties'' means such duties as are declared by the
regulations to be combat-related duties for the purposes of this section.


SEX DISCRIMINATION ACT 1984 No. 4, 1984 - SECT. 44.
Commission may grant exemptions



  44. (1) The Commission may, on application by a person, by instrument in
writing, grant to the person an exemption from the operation of a specified
provision of Division 1 or 2.

  (2) The Commission may, on application by a person to whom an exemption from
a provision of Division 1 or 2 has been granted under sub-section (1), being
an application made before the expiration of the period for which that
exemption was granted, grant to the person a further exemption from the
operation of that provision.

  (3) An exemption or further exemption-

  (a)  may be granted subject to such terms and conditions as are specified in
the instrument;

  (b)  may be expressed to apply only in such circumstances, or in relation to
such activities, as are specified in the instrument; and

  (c)  shall be granted for a specified period not exceeding 5 years.


SEX DISCRIMINATION ACT 1984 No. 4, 1984 - SECT. 45.

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Review by Administrative Appeals Tribunal



  45. Applications may be made to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal for
review of decisions made by the Commission under section 44.


SEX DISCRIMINATION ACT 1984 No. 4, 1984 - SECT. 46.
Notice of decisions to be published



  46. (1) The Commission shall, not later than one month after it makes a
decision under section 44, cause to be published in the Gazette a notice of
the making of the decision-

  (a)  setting out its findings on material questions of fact;

  (b)  referring to the evidence on which those findings were based;

  (c)  giving the reasons for the making of the decision; and

  (d)  containing a statement to the effect that, subject to the
Administrative Appeals Tribunal Act 1975, application may be made to the
Administrative Appeals Tribunal for a review of the decision to which the
notice relates by or on behalf of any person or persons whose interests are
affected by the decision.

  (2) Any failure to comply with the requirements of sub-section (1) in
relation to a decision does not affect the validity of the decision.


SEX DISCRIMINATION ACT 1984 No. 4, 1984 - SECT. 47.
Effect of exemptions



  47. Nothing in Division 1 or 2 renders it unlawful for a person who has been
granted an exemption from a provision of that Division, or a person in the
employment or under the direction or control of a person who has been granted
such an exemption, to do an act in accordance with the provisions of the
instrument by which the exemption was granted.


SEX DISCRIMINATION ACT 1984 No. 4, 1984 - SECT. 48.
Functions of Human Rights Commission


                  PART III-INQUIRIES AND CIVIL PROCEEDINGS

                             Division 1-Preliminary

 48. (1) In addition to the functions of the Human Rights Commission under the
Human Rights Commission Act 1981, the Commission has the following functions:

  (a)  to inquire into alleged infringements of Part II, and endeavour by
conciliation to effect a settlement of the matters to which the alleged
infringements relate;

  (b)  to inquire into, and make determinations on, matters referred to it by
the Minister or the Commissioner;

  (c)  to exercise the powers conferred on it by section 44;

  (d)  to promote an understanding and acceptance of, and compliance with,
this Act;

  (e)  to undertake research and educational programs, and other programs, on
behalf of the Commonwealth for the purpose of promoting the objects of this
Act; 

  (f)  to examine enactments, and (when requested to do so by the Minister)
proposed enactments, for the purpose of ascertaining whether the enactments or
proposed enactments are, or would be, inconsistent with or contrary to the
objects of this Act, and to report to the Minister the results of any such
examination;

  (g)  on its own initiative or when requested by the Minister, to report to
the Minister as to the laws that should be made by the Parliament, or action
that should be taken by the Commonwealth, on matters relating to
discrimination on the ground of sex, marital status or pregnancy or to
discrimination involving sexual harassment; and

  (h)  to do anything incidental or conducive to the performance of any of the
preceding functions.

  (2) The Commission shall not regard an enactment or proposed enactment as
being inconsistent with or contrary to the objects of this Act for the
purposes of paragraph (1) (f) by reason of a provision of the enactment or
proposed enactment that is included for the purpose referred to in section
33.

  (3) If the Commissioner is a member of the Commission, the Commissioner
shall not participate in any inquiry held by the Commission under Division 3
or attend any meeting of the Commission, be present during any deliberation of
the Commission, or take part in any decision of the Commission, in connection

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with such an inquiry.


SEX DISCRIMINATION ACT 1984 No. 4, 1984 - SECT. 49.
Functions of Commissioner



  49. (1) The functions of the Commission under paragraph 48 (1) (a) and the
function of the Commission under paragraph 48 (l) (h), to the extent that it
relates to the performance of the first-mentioned functions, shall be
performed by the Commissioner on behalf of the Commission.

  (2) In the performance of a function on behalf of the Commission, the
Commissioner is subject to the directions of the Commission.

  (3)  The Commission is not entitled to give to the Commissioner for the
purposes of sub-section (2)-

  (a)  a direction in relation to a particular matter; or

  (b)  a direction that is inconsistent with the objects of this Act.


SEX DISCRIMINATION ACT 1984 No. 4, 1984 - SECT. 50.
Complaints



  50. (1) A complaint in writing alleging that a person has done an act that
is unlawful by virtue of a provision of Part II may be lodged with the
Commission by-

  (a)  a person aggrieved by the act, on that person's own behalf or on behalf
of that person and another person or other persons aggrieved by the act;

  (b)  2 or more persons aggrieved by the act, on their own behalf or on
behalf of themselves and another person or other persons aggrieved by the
act;

  (c)  a person or persons included in a class of persons aggrieved by the
act, on behalf of the persons included in that class of persons; or

  (d)  a trade union of which a person or persons, or persons included in a
class of persons, aggrieved by the act is a member or are members, on behalf
of that person, those persons or persons included in that class of persons, as
the case may be.

  (2) In this section, ''trade union'' means-

  (a)  an organization of employees that is a registered organization;

  (b)  a trade union within the meaning of any State Act or law of a
Territory; or

  (c)  any other similar body.


SEX DISCRIMINATION ACT 1984 No. 4, 1984 - SECT. 51.
Commissioner deemed to be a complainant



  51. Where-

  (a)  the Commissioner has referred to the Commission a matter that came
before the Commissioner otherwise than as the result of the making of a
complaint to the Commission; or

  (b)  the Minister has referred a matter to the Commission under section 58,
then, for the purposes of any inquiry into the matter by the Commission, this
Act has effect as if-

  (c)  the matter had been the subject of a complaint;

  (d)  the reference to the complainant in section 64 were a reference to the
Commissioner; and

  (e)  a reference to the respondent were a reference to the person who is, or
each of the persons who are, alleged to have done the act to which the matter
relates.


SEX DISCRIMINATION ACT 1984 No. 4, 1984 - SECT. 52.
Inquiries by Commissioner


                      Division 2-Inquiries by Commissioner

  52. (1) Where-

  (a)  a complaint relating to an alleged unlawful act is made to the
Commission under section 50; or

  (b)  it appears to the Commission that a person has done an act that is
unlawful by virtue of a provision of Part II,
the Commission shall notify the Commissioner accordingly and the Commissioner
shall, subject to sub-section (2), inquire into the act and endeavour, by
conciliation, to effect a settlement of the matter to which the act relates.

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  (2) The Commissioner may decide not to inquire into an act, or, if the
Commissioner has commenced to inquire into an act, decide not to continue to
inquire into the act, if-

  (a)  the Commissioner is satisfied that the act is not unlawful by reason of
a provision of Part II;

  (b)  the Commissioner is of the opinion that the person aggrieved by the act
does not desire, or none of the persons aggrieved by the act desires, that the
inquiry be made or continued;

  (c) in a case where a complaint has been made to the Commission in relation
to the act, a period of more than 12 months has elapsed since the act was
done; or 

  (d)  in a case where a complaint has been made to the Commission in relation
to the act, the Commissioner is of the opinion that the complaint was
frivolous, vexatious, misconceived or lacking in substance.

  (3) Where the Commissioner decides not to inquire into, or not to continue
to inquire into, an act in respect of which a complaint was made to the
Commission, the Commissioner shall give notice in writing to the complainant
or each of the complainants of that decision, of the reasons for that decision
and of the rights of the complainant or each of the complainants under
sub-section (4).

  (4) Where the Commissioner has given a complainant a notice under
sub-section (3), the complainant may, within 21 days after receipt of the
notice, by notice in writing served on the Commissioner, require the
Commissioner to refer the complaint to the Commission.

  (5) On receipt of a notice under sub-section (4), the Commissioner shall
refer the complaint to the Commission together with a report relating to any
inquiries made by the Commissioner into the complaint.

  (6) The Commissioner may, for the purposes of this Act, obtain information
from such persons, and make such inquiries, as the Commissioner thinks fit.


SEX DISCRIMINATION ACT 1984 No. 4, 1984 - SECT. 53.
Application for interim determination under section 80



  53. (1) The Commissioner, at any time after a complaint is lodged and before
the Commissioner declines to entertain the complaint, resolves the complaint
by conciliation or refers the matter to which the complaint relates to the
Commission under sub-section 57 (1), may apply to the Commission for the
making of an interim determination under section 80 or for the variation or
revocation of any such determination.

  (2) In relation to a matter arising under paragraph 52 (1) (b), the
Commissioner may apply to the Commission for the making of an interim
determination under section 80, or for the variation or revocation of any such
determination, at any time.


SEX DISCRIMINATION ACT 1984 No. 4, 1984 - SECT. 54.
Power to obtain information and documents



  54. (1) Where the Commissioner has reason to believe that a person is
capable of furnishing information (in this sub-section referred to as
''relevant information'') or producing documents (in this sub-section referred
to as ''relevant documents'') relevant to an inquiry under this Division, the
Commissioner may, by notice in writing served on the person, require the
person, at such place, and within such period or on such date and at such
time, as are specified in the notice-

  (a)  to furnish to the Commissioner, by writing signed by the person or, in
the case of a body corporate, by an officer of the body corporate, such
relevant information (if any) as is specified in the notice; and

  (b)  to produce to the Commissioner such relevant documents (if any) as are
specified in the notice.

  (2) Where documents are produced to the Commissioner in accordance with a
requirement under sub-section (1), the Commissioner-

  (a)  may take possession of, and may make copies of, or take extracts from,
the documents;

  (b)  may retain possession of the documents for such period as is necessary
for the purposes of the inquiry to which the documents relate; and

  (c)  during that period shall permit a person who would be entitled to
inspect any one or more of the documents if they were not in the possession of
the Commissioner to inspect at all reasonable times such of the documents as
that person would be so entitled to inspect.


SEX DISCRIMINATION ACT 1984 No. 4, 1984 - SECT. 55.
Directions to persons to attend compulsory conference



  55. (1) For the purpose of inquiring into an act, and endeavouring to settle

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the matter to which the act relates, in accordance with section 52, the
Commissioner may, by notice in writing, direct the persons referred to in
sub-section (2) of this section to attend, at a time and place specified in
the notice, a conference presided over by the Commissioner or a person
appointed by the Commissioner.

  (2) Directions under sub-section (1) to attend a conference in relation to
an act shall be given to-

  (a)  where a complaint was made to the Commission in relation to that
act-the complainant, or all the complainants, as the case requires;

  (b)  the person who is alleged to have done the act; and

  (c)  any other person who, in the opinion of the Commissioner, is likely to
be able to provide information relevant to the inquiry or whose presence at
the conference is, in the opinion of the Commissioner, likely to be conducive
to the settlement of the matter to which the act relates.

  (3) A person who has been given a direction under sub-section (1) to attend
a conference is entitled to be paid by the Commonwealth a reasonable sum for
the person's attendance at the conference.

  (4) The Commissioner may, in a notice given to a person under sub-section
(1), require the person to produce such documents at the conference as are
specified in the notice.


SEX DISCRIMINATION ACT 1984 No. 4, 1984 - SECT. 56.
Compulsory conference



  56. (1) The person presiding at a conference held under this Division may
require a person attending the conference to produce a document.

  (2) A conference under this Division shall be held in private and, subject
to this Act, shall be conducted in such manner as the person presiding at the
conference thinks fit.

  (3) Subject to sub-section (4), a body of persons, whether corporate or
unincorporate, that is directed under section 55 to attend a conference shall
be deemed to attend if an officer or employee of that body attends on behalf
of that body.

  (4) Except with the consent of the person presiding at a conference under
this Division-

  (a)  a natural person is not entitled to be represented at the conference by
another person; and

  (b)  a body of persons, whether corporate or unincorporate, is not entitled
to be represented at the conference by a person other than an officer or
employee of that body.


SEX DISCRIMINATION ACT 1984 No. 4, 1984 - SECT. 57.
Reference of matters to the Commission



  57. (1) Where the Commissioner-

  (a)  is of the opinion that a matter cannot be settled by conciliation;

  (b)  has endeavoured to settle a matter by conciliation but has not been
successful; or

  (c)  is of the opinion that the nature of a matter is such that it should be
referred to the Commission,
the Commissioner shall refer the matter to the Commission together with a
report relating to any inquiries made by the Commissioner into the matter.

  (2) A report for the purposes of sub-section (1) shall not set out or
describe anything said or done in the course of conciliation proceedings under
this Division (including anything said or done at a conference held under this
Division).

  (3) Evidence of anything said or done in the course of conciliation
proceedings under this Division (including anything said or done at a
conference held under this Division) is not admissible in subsequent
proceedings under this Part relating to the matter.


SEX DISCRIMINATION ACT 1984 No. 4, 1984 - SECT. 58.
Reference of matter to the Commission by the Minister


                Division 3-Inquiries by Human Rights Commission

  58. The Minister may refer any matter to the Commission for inquiry as a
complaint under this Part.


SEX DISCRIMINATION ACT 1984 No. 4, 1984 - SECT. 59.
Inquiries into complaints



  59. (1) Subject to sub-section (2), the Commission shall hold an inquiry
into each complaint or matter referred to it under sub-section 52 (5) or 57
(1) or section 58.

  (2) The Commission shall not hold, or shall discontinue, an inquiry into a
complaint or matter referred to it-

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  (a)  in the case of a complaint or matter referred to it under sub-section
52 (5) or 57 (1)-if the complainant notifies the Commission that the
complainant does not wish the inquiry to be held or to continue; or

  (b)  in the case of a matter referred to it under section 58-if the Minister
notifies the Commission that the Minister does not wish the inquiry to be held
or to continue.


SEX DISCRIMINATION ACT 1984 No. 4, 1984 - SECT. 60.
Quorum for purpose of inquiry



  60. (1) Notwithstanding section 28 of the Human Rights Commission Act 1981,
for the purpose of the holding of inquiries by the Commission under this Act,
a quorum of the Commission is constituted by 3 members at least one of whom is
a legally qualified person.

  (2) Where the Chairman is not present at an inquiry held by the Commission-

  (a)  if only one of the members present is a legally qualified person-that
member shall preside; or

  (b)  if 2 or more of the members present are legally qualified persons-the
members present shall elect one of those persons to preside at that inquiry.

  (3) In this section, ''legally qualified person'' means a person who-

  (a)  is or has been a Judge of a court created by the Parliament or of a
court of a State or a person who has the same designation and status as a
Judge of a court created by the Parliament; or

  (b)  is enrolled as a barrister or solicitor, as a barrister and solicitor,
or as a legal practitioner, of the High Court, of another federal court or of
the Supreme Court of a State or Territory.


SEX DISCRIMINATION ACT 1984 No. 4, 1984 - SECT. 61.
Single inquiry in relation to several complaints



  61. Where the Commission is of the opinion that 2 or more complaints arise
out of the same or substantially the same circumstances or subject-matter, it
may hold a single inquiry in relation to those complaints.


SEX DISCRIMINATION ACT 1984 No. 4, 1984 - SECT. 62.
Joinder of parties by the Commission



  62. Where, before the holding of an inquiry, or at any stage during the
holding of an inquiry, the Commission is of the opinion that a person ought to
be joined as a party to the inquiry, it may, by notice in writing given to
that person, join that person as a party to the inquiry.


SEX DISCRIMINATION ACT 1984 No. 4, 1984 - SECT. 63.
Notice of inquiry and rights of parties at inquiry



  63. (1) The Commission-

  (a)  shall give a party to an inquiry, other than a person to whom the
Commission grants leave to appear as a party to the inquiry, such notice in
such manner as the Commission determines of the time and place at which it
intends to hold the inquiry; and

  (b)  shall give each party to an inquiry reasonable opportunity to call or
give evidence, examine or cross-examine witnesses and make submissions to the
Commission.

  (2) If a party to an inquiry to whom notice has been given under paragraph
(1) (a) fails to attend at the time and place specified for the inquiry, the
Commission may hold the inquiry in the absence of that party.


SEX DISCRIMINATION ACT 1984 No. 4, 1984 - SECT. 64.
Parties to an inquiry



  64. The parties to an inquiry shall be the complainant, the respondent, any
person joined by the Commission as a party to the inquiry and any person to
whom the Commission grants leave to appear as a party to the inquiry.


SEX DISCRIMINATION ACT 1984 No. 4, 1984 - SECT. 65.
Right of appearance and to representation



  65. (1) A party to an inquiry-

  (a)  shall appear personally or, where the party is a body of persons,
whether corporate or unincorporate, by an officer, employee or agent of the
body; and

  (b)  may-

      (i)  if the Commission has made arrangements under sub-section 68 (1)
for counsel to appear at the inquiry to assist the Commission; or


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     (ii)  in any other case-with the leave of the Commission,

    be represented by a solicitor or counsel or an agent.

  (2) A person, other than a solicitor or counsel, is not entitled to demand
or receive any fee or reward for representing a party to an inquiry.


SEX DISCRIMINATION ACT 1984 No. 4, 1984 - SECT. 66.
Inquiries may be held in private



  66. (1) Subject to sub-section (2), an inquiry shall be held in public.

  (2) The Commission may, of its own motion or on the application of a party
to the inquiry, if it is satisfied that it is appropriate to do so, direct
that an inquiry, or a part of an inquiry, be held in private.


SEX DISCRIMINATION ACT 1984 No. 4, 1984 - SECT. 67.
Commission may prohibit publication of evidence, &c.;



  67. (1) The Commission may direct that-

  (a)  any evidence given before it;

  (b)  the contents of any document produced to the Commission; or

  (c)  any information that might enable a person who has appeared before the
Commission to be identified,
shall not be published, or shall not be published except in such manner, and
to such persons, as the Commission specifies.

  (2) Nothing in this section shall be taken to derogate from the Commission's
powers under section 66.


SEX DISCRIMINATION ACT 1984 No. 4, 1984 - SECT. 68.
Counsel assisting the Commission



  68. (1) The Commission may make arrangements for counsel to appear at an
inquiry to assist the Commission.

  (2) Counsel assisting the Commission at an inquiry pursuant to arrangements
made under sub-section (1) shall, in relation to that inquiry, be subject to
the control and direction of the Commission.


SEX DISCRIMINATION ACT 1984 No. 4, 1984 - SECT. 69.
Determination of representative complaints



  69. At an inquiry held in respect of a complaint that appears to the
Commission to be a representative complaint, the Commission shall determine,
as a preliminary matter, whether that complaint should be dealt with as a
representative complaint.


SEX DISCRIMINATION ACT 1984 No. 4, 1984 - SECT. 70.
Matters to be considered in determination of representative complaints



  70. (1) The Commission shall not deal with a complaint as a representative
complaint unless it is satisfied that the complaint was made on behalf of
persons other than the complainant in good faith.

  (2) In considering whether a complaint was made on behalf of persons other
than the complainant in good faith, the Commission shall satisfy itself-

  (a)  that-

      (i)  the complainant is a member of a class of persons, the members of
which class have been affected, or may reasonably be likely to be affected, by
the conduct of the respondent;

     (ii)  the complainant has in fact been affected by the conduct of the
respondent;

     (iii)  the class is so numerous that joinder of all its members is
impracticable;

     (iv)  there are questions of law or fact common to all members of the
class;

     (v)  the claims of the complainant are typical of the claims of the
class; 

     (vi)  multiple complaints would be likely to produce varying
determinations that could have incompatible or inconsistent results for the
individual members of the class; and

    (vii)  the respondent has acted on grounds apparently applying to the
class as a whole, thereby making relief appropriate for the class as a whole;
or

  (b)  that, notwithstanding that the requirements of paragraph (a) have not
been satisfied, the justice of the case demands that the matter be dealt with
and a remedy provided by means of a representative complaint.

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SEX DISCRIMINATION ACT 1984 No. 4, 1984 - SECT. 71.
Amendment of representative complaints



  71. (1) Where the Commission is satisfied that a complaint could be dealt
with as a representative complaint if the class of persons on whose behalf
that complaint is lodged is increased, reduced or otherwise altered, the
Commission may amend the complaint so that the complaint can be dealt with as
a representative complaint.

  (2) Where the Commission is satisfied that a complaint has been wrongly made
as a representative complaint, the Commission may amend the complaint by
removing the names of the persons or the description of the class of persons
on whose behalf the complaint was lodged so that the complaint can be dealt
with as a complaint other than a representative complaint.


SEX DISCRIMINATION ACT 1984 No. 4, 1984 - SECT. 72.
Ordinary complaints not precluded by representative complaints



  72. Nothing in this Part prevents a person from lodging a complaint, other
than a representative complaint, under section 50, notwithstanding that the
conduct in respect of which the complaint is lodged is also the conduct in
respect of which a representative complaint has been lodged.


SEX DISCRIMINATION ACT 1984 No. 4, 1984 - SECT. 73.
Resolution of complaint by conciliation



  73. The Commission-

  (a)  may endeavour, by all such means as to it seem reasonable, to resolve a
complaint the subject of an inquiry by conciliation; and

  (b)  shall take all such steps as to it seem reasonable to effect an
amicable settlement of a complaint the subject of an inquiry and for this
purpose may adjourn an inquiry at any stage to enable the parties to negotiate
with a view to settlement of the complaint by amicable arrangements.


SEX DISCRIMINATION ACT 1984 No. 4, 1984 - SECT. 74.
Evidence and findings in other proceedings



  74. In the course of an inquiry, the Commission may, in its discretion-

  (a)  receive in evidence the transcript of evidence in any proceedings
before a court or tribunal and draw any conclusions of fact from that
transcript that it considers proper;

  (b)  adopt any findings, decision or judgment of a court or tribunal that
may be relevant to the inquiry; and

  (c)  receive in evidence any report of the Commissioner if a copy of that
report has been made available to every other party to the inquiry.


SEX DISCRIMINATION ACT 1984 No. 4, 1984 - SECT. 75.
Powers of Commission to take evidence



  75. (1) The Commission may take evidence on oath or affirmation and for that
purpose a member of the Commission may administer an oath or affirmation.

  (2) A member of the Commission may summon a person to appear before the
Commission to give evidence and to produce such documents (if any) as are
referred to in the summons.

  (3) A person to whom an inquiry under this Part relates or who is a party to
proceedings before the Commission may call witnesses.

  (4) A person appearing as a witness before the Commission may be examined,
cross-examined and re-examined.


SEX DISCRIMINATION ACT 1984 No. 4, 1984 - SECT. 76.
Retention and copying of documents



  76. The Commission may retain for a reasonable period and may make copies
of, or of part of, any documents produced to the Commission in the course of
an inquiry or proceedings.


SEX DISCRIMINATION ACT 1984 No. 4, 1984 - SECT. 77.
Application of rules of evidence, &c.;



  77. (1) For the purposes of an inquiry, the Commission-

  (a)  is not bound by the rules of evidence and may inform itself on any
matter in such manner as it thinks fit;

  (b)  shall conduct the inquiry with as little formality and technicality,
and with as much expedition, as the requirements of this Act and a proper
consideration of the matters before the Commission permit; and

  (c)  may give directions relating to procedure that, in its opinion, will
enable costs or delay to be reduced and will help to achieve a prompt hearing
of the matters at issue between the parties.

  (2) The member presiding at an inquiry shall determine any question relating

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to the admissibility of evidence and any other question of law or procedure.


SEX DISCRIMINATION ACT 1984 No. 4, 1984 - SECT. 78.
Consideration of exceptions and exemptions



  78. In determining whether an act is unlawful by reason of a provision of
Division 1 or 2 of Part II, the Commission is not required to have regard to
any exception or exemption provided for in that Part unless there is evidence
before the Commission that the exception or exemption is or may be applicable
in relation to that act.


SEX DISCRIMINATION ACT 1984 No. 4, 1984 - SECT. 79.
Commission may dismiss frivolous, &c.;, complaints



  79. Where, at any stage of an inquiry, the Commission is satisfied that a
complaint is frivolous, vexatious, misconceived, lacking in substance or
relates to an act that is not unlawful by reason of a provision of Part II, it
may dismiss the complaint.


SEX DISCRIMINATION ACT 1984 No. 4, 1984 - SECT. 80.
Making of interim determination



  80. (1) The Commission, or, where the Chairman is of the opinion that it is
expedient that the Chairman alone should perform the functions of the
Commission under this section, the Chairman, may, on the application of the
Commissioner under section 53 or on the application of a party to an inquiry
at any time after the lodgement of the complaint into which that inquiry is
held, make an interim determination of such a nature as would, if it were
binding and conclusive upon the parties, preserve-

  (a)  the status quo between the parties to the complaint; or

  (b)  the rights of the parties to the complaint,
pending completion of the matter the subject of the complaint.

  (2) An interim determination under sub-section (1) is not binding or
conclusive between any of the parties to the determination.


SEX DISCRIMINATION ACT 1984 No. 4, 1984 - SECT. 81.
Determination or other decision of the Commission



  81. (1) After holding an inquiry, the Commission may-

  (a)  dismiss the complaint the subject of the inquiry; or

  (b)  find the complaint substantiated and make a determination, which may
include any one or more of the following:

      (i)  a declaration that the respondent has engaged in conduct rendered
unlawful by this Act and should not repeat or continue such unlawful conduct;

     (ii)  a declaration that the respondent should perform any reasonable act
or course of conduct to redress any loss or damage suffered by the
complainant; 

     (iii)  a declaration that the respondent should employ or re-employ the
complainant;

     (iv)  except where the complaint was dealt with as a representative
complaint-a declaration that the respondent should pay to the complainant
damages by way of compensation for any loss or damage suffered by reason of
the conduct of the respondent;

     (v)  a declaration that the respondent should promote the complainant;

     (vi)  a declaration that the termination of a contract or agreement
should be varied to redress any loss or damage suffered by the complainant;

    (vii)  a declaration that it would be inappropriate for any further action
to be taken in the matter.

  (2) A determination of the Commission under sub-section (1) is not binding
or conclusive between any of the parties to the determination.

  (3) The Commission may, in the making of a determination under sub-section
(1), state any findings of fact upon which the determination is based.

  (4) The damage referred to in paragraph (1) (b) includes injury to the
complainant's feelings or humiliation suffered by the complainant.


SEX DISCRIMINATION ACT 1984 No. 4, 1984 - SECT. 82.
Proceedings in Federal Court



  82. (1) The Commission or complainant may institute a proceeding in the
Federal Court for an order to enforce a determination made pursuant to
sub-section 80 (1) or 81 (1).

  (2) Where the Federal Court is satisfied that the respondent has engaged in
conduct or committed an act that is unlawful under this Act, the Federal Court
may make such orders (including a declaration of right) as the Federal Court

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thinks fit.

  (3) Orders made by the Federal Court under sub-section (2) may give effect
to a determination of the Commission.


SEX DISCRIMINATION ACT 1984 No. 4, 1984 - SECT. 83.
Assistance in proceedings before Commission



  83. (1) Where-

  (a)  a person has made a complaint in respect of which the Commission has
held an inquiry under section 59 and the Commission has found the complaint to
be substantiated; or

  (b)  a person has done or is alleged to have done an act in respect of which
an inquiry has been held by the Commission under section 59 and the Commission
dismisses the complaint the subject of the inquiry,
the Commission may, in its discretion, recommend to the Attorney-General that
assistance be given to the person in respect of expenses incurred by the
person in connection with the inquiry.

  (2) Where a recommendation is made by the Commission under sub-section (1)
in relation to a person, the Attorney-General may authorize the provision by
the Commonwealth to that person, either unconditionally or subject to such
conditions as the Attorney-General determines, of such financial assistance in
respect of expenses incurred by the person in connection with the inquiry as
the Attorney-General determines.


SEX DISCRIMINATION ACT 1984 No. 4, 1984 - SECT. 84.
Assistance in proceedings before Federal Court



  84. (1) A person who-

  (a)  has instituted or proposes to institute a proceeding before the Federal
Court under section 82; or

  (b)  has done or is alleged to have done an act in respect of which a
proceeding has been instituted in the Federal Court under section 82,
may apply to the Attorney-General for the provision of assistance under this
section in respect of the proceeding.

  (2) Where an application is made by a person under sub-section (1) and the
Attorney-General is satisfied that it would involve hardship to that person to
refuse the application and that, in all the circumstances, it is reasonable
that the application be granted, the Attorney-General may authorize the
provision by the Commonwealth to that person, either unconditionally or
subject to such conditions as the Attorney-General determines, of such legal
or financial assistance in respect of the proceedings as the Attorney-General
determines.


SEX DISCRIMINATION ACT 1984 No. 4, 1984 - SECT. 85.
Unlawful act not offence unless expressly so provided


                               PART IV-OFFENCES

  85. Except as expressly provided by this Part, nothing in this Act makes it
an offence to do an act that is unlawful by reason of a provision of Part II.


SEX DISCRIMINATION ACT 1984 No. 4, 1984 - SECT. 86.
Advertisements



  86. (1) A person shall not publish or display, or cause or permit to be
published or displayed, an advertisement or notice that indicates, or could
reasonably be understood as indicating, an intention to do an act that is
unlawful by reason of a provision of Part II.

  Penalty:

  (a)  in the case of a natural person-$1,000; or

  (b)  in the case of a body corporate-$5,000.

  (2) For the purposes of sub-section (1), ''advertisement'' includes every
form of advertisement or notice, whether to the public or not, and whether in
a newspaper or other publication, by television or radio, by display of
notices, signs, labels, showcards or goods, by distribution of samples,
circulars, catalogues, price lists or other material, by exhibition of
pictures, models or films, or in any other way, and the reference in that
sub-section to publish or display, in relation to an advertisement, shall be
construed accordingly.


SEX DISCRIMINATION ACT 1984 No. 4, 1984 - SECT. 87.
Failure to provide actuarial or statistical data



  87. Where a person has engaged in an act of discrimination that would, but
for sub-section 41 (4), be unlawful, the Commissioner or the Commission may,
by notice in writing served on the person as prescribed, require the person,
within 28 days after service of the notice on the person, to disclose to the
Commissioner or to the Commission, as the case may be, the source of the
actuarial or statistical data on which the act of discrimination was based

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and, where the Commissioner or the Commission, as the case may be, makes such
a requirement of a person, the person shall not, without reasonable excuse,
fail to comply with the requirement.

  Penalty:

  (a)  in the case of a natural person-$1,000; or

  (b)  in the case of a body corporate-$5,000.


SEX DISCRIMINATION ACT 1984 No. 4, 1984 - SECT. 88.
Failure to attend conference



  88. A person who has been given a direction under sub-section 55 (1) to
attend a conference shall not, without reasonable excuse-

  (a)  fail to attend as required by the direction; or

  (b)  fail to attend and report from day to day unless excused, or released
from further attendance, by the person presiding at the conference.

  Penalty:

  (a)  in the case of a natural person-$1,000; or

  (b)  in the case of a body corporate-$5,000.


SEX DISCRIMINATION ACT 1984 No. 4, 1984 - SECT. 89.
Failure to furnish information, &c.;



  89. A person shall not, without reasonable excuse, refuse or fail-

  (a)  to furnish information; or

  (b)  to produce a document,
when so required pursuant to section 54, 55 or 56.

  Penalty:

  (a)  in the case of a natural person-$1,000; or

  (b)  in the case of a body corporate-$5,000.


SEX DISCRIMINATION ACT 1984 No. 4, 1984 - SECT. 90.
Offences in relation to Commission



  90. (1) A person served, as prescribed, with a summons to appear before the
Commission as a witness shall not, without reasonable excuse-

  (a)  fail to attend as required by the summons; or

  (b)  fail to appear and report from day to day unless excused, or released
from further attendance, by the Commission.

  (2) A person appearing before the Commission as a witness at an inquiry
shall not, without reasonable excuse-

  (a)  refuse or fail to be sworn or make an affirmation;

  (b)  refuse or fail to answer a question that is required by the member
presiding at the inquiry to be answered; or

  (c)  refuse or fail to produce a document that was required to be produced
by a summons under this Act served on that person as prescribed.

  (3) A person shall not-

  (a)  interrupt an inquiry or proceedings of the Commission;

  (b)  use insulting language towards a member of the Commission when the
member is exercising any powers or performing any functions as a member;

  (c)  make a publication in contravention of any direction given under
section 67;

  (d)  create a disturbance or take part in creating or continuing a
disturbance in or near a place where the Commission is meeting or holding an
inquiry; or

  (e)  do any other act or thing that would, if the Commission were a court of
record, constitute a contempt of that court.

  Penalty:

  (a)  in the case of a natural person-$1,000; or

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  (b)  in the case of a body corporate-$5,000.


SEX DISCRIMINATION ACT 1984 No. 4, 1984 - SECT. 91.
Self-incrimination



  91. (1) It is not a reasonable excuse for the purposes of section 89 for a
person to refuse or fail to furnish information or produce a document that the
furnishing of the information or the production of the document might
incriminate the person, but evidence of the furnishing of the information or
the production of the document is not admissible in evidence against the
person in any civil or criminal proceeding before a court, other than a
proceeding for an offence under section 93.

  (2) Without limiting the generality of the expression ''reasonable excuse''
in section 90, it is hereby declared for the removal of doubt that it is a
reasonable excuse for the purposes of that section for a person to refuse or
fail to answer a question put to the person at an inquiry, or to refuse to
produce a document, that the answer to the question or the production of the
document might incriminate the person.


SEX DISCRIMINATION ACT 1984 No. 4, 1984 - SECT. 92.
Particulars of complaints not to be communicated, &c.;



  92. (1) Subject to sub-section (2), where a complaint alleging that a person
has done an act that is unlawful under Division 3 of Part II is lodged with
the Commission under sub-section 50 (1), a person shall not make a record of,
or divulge or communicate to any other person, any particulars of that
complaint until-

  (a)  the Commissioner has commenced to inquire into the act; or

  (b)  where, under sub-section 52 (2), the Commissioner decides not to
inquire into the act-

      (i)  if, within the period of 21 days after the complainant receives a
notice under sub-section 52 (3) in relation to the complaint, the complainant
has not served a notice under sub-section 52 (4) on the Commissioner-the
expiration of that period of 21 days; or

     (ii)  in any other case-

        (A) the Commission commences to hold an inquiry into the complaint;
or

        (B) the complainant notifies the Commission that the complainant does
not wish the inquiry to be held,

       whichever is the earlier.

  (2) Nothing in sub-section (1) prohibits-

  (a)  the Commissioner, a member of the Commission, a member of the staff
assisting the Commission or a person acting under the direction or authority
of the Commission or of the Commissioner or pursuant to a delegation under
section 104 from making a record of, or divulging or communicating, any
particulars of a complaint in the performance of a duty under or in connection
with this Act or in the performance or exercise of a function or power under
this Act;

  (b)  a person from divulging or communicating any particulars of a complaint
to an authority of a State in accordance with an arrangement in force under
section 11 of the Human Rights Commission Act 1981;

  (c)  a person from divulging or communicating any particulars of a complaint
to-

             (i) the complainant or a person on whose behalf the complaint
was
                 made;

            (ii) the person alleged to have done the act to which the
complaint 
                 relates;

           (iii) the legal representative of a person referred to in
                 sub-paragraph (i) or (ii); or

            (iv) the employer or principal of the person referred to in
                 sub-paragraph (i) or (ii);

  (d)  a person who has made a complaint in respect of a particular matter
from divulging or communicating any particulars of the complaint to-


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             (i) a person to whom, or an officer of a body to which, the
                 complainant ismaking a complaint or application in respect
of
                 the same matter;

            (ii) an officer of a tribunal in which the complainant is
                 instituting proceedings, or to which the complainant is
                 making an application, in respect of the same matter;

           (iii) a near relative of the complainant; or

            (iv) a person from whom the complainant is seeking or receiving
                 professional treatment, counselling or advice;

  (e)  a person (in this paragraph referred to as the ''relevant person'') on
whose behalf a complaint has been made in respect of a particular matter from
divulging or communicating any particulars of the complaint to-

             (i) a person to whom, or an officer of a body to which, the
                 relevant person is making a complaint or application in
                 respect of the same matter;

            (ii) an officer of a tribunal in which the relevant person is
                 instituting proceedings, or to which the relevant person is
                 making an application, in respect of the same matter;

           (iii) a near relative of the relevant person; or

            (iv) a person from whom the relevant person is seeking or
receiving 
                 professional treatment, counselling or advice; or

  (f)  an authority or person to whom particulars of a complaint may be
divulged or communicated under paragraph (b), (c), (d) or (e) from making a
record of those particulars.


SEX DISCRIMINATION ACT 1984 No. 4, 1984 - SECT. 93.
False or misleading information



  93. A person shall not furnish information or make a statement to the
Commission, to the Commissioner or to any other person exercising powers or
performing functions under this Act, knowing that the information or statement
is false or misleading in a material particular.

  Penalty:

  (a)  in the case of a natural person-$2,500 or imprisonment for 3 months, or
both; or

  (b)  in the case of a body corporate-$10,000.


SEX DISCRIMINATION ACT 1984 No. 4, 1984 - SECT. 94.
Victimization



  94. (1) A person shall not commit an act of victimization against another
person.

  Penalty:

  (a)  in the case of a natural person-$2,500 or imprisonment for 3 months, or
both; or

  (b)  in the case of a body corporate-$10,000.

  (2) For the purposes of sub-section (1), a person shall be taken to commit
an act of victimization against another person if the first-mentioned person
subjects, or threatens to subject, the other person to any detriment on the
ground that the other person-

  (a)  has made, or proposes to make, a complaint under this Act;

  (b)  has brought, or proposes to bring, proceedings under this Act against
any person;

  (c)  has furnished, or proposes to furnish, any information, or has
produced, or proposes to produce, any documents to a person exercising or
performing any power or function under this Act;

  (d)  has attended, or proposes to attend, a conference held under Part III;

  (e)  has appeared, or proposes to appear, as a witness before the Commission
in a proceeding under this Act;


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  (f)  has reasonably asserted, or proposes to assert, any rights of the
person or the rights of any other person under this Act; or

  (g)  has made an allegation that a person has done an act that is unlawful
by reason of a provision of Part II,
or on the ground that the first-mentioned person believes that the other
person has done, or proposes to do, an act or thing referred to in any of
paragraphs (a) to (g), inclusive.

  (3) It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence under sub-section (1)
constituted by subjecting, or threatening to subject, a person to a detriment
on the ground that the person has made an allegation that another person had
done an act that was unlawful by reason of a provision of Part II if it is
proved that the allegation was false and was not made in good faith.


SEX DISCRIMINATION ACT 1984 No. 4, 1984 - SECT. 95.
Obstruction, &c.;



  95. A person shall not insult, hinder, obstruct, molest or interfere with a
person exercising a power or performing a function under this Act.

  Penalty:

  (a)  in the case of a natural person-$1,000; or

  (b)  in the case of a body corporate-$5,000.


SEX DISCRIMINATION ACT 1984 No. 4, 1984 - SECT. 96.
Sex Discrimination Commissioner


                   PART V-SEX DISCRIMINATION COMMISSIONER

  96. There shall be a Sex Discrimination Commissioner, who shall be appointed
by the Governor-General.


SEX DISCRIMINATION ACT 1984 No. 4, 1984 - SECT. 97.
Terms and conditions of appointment



  97. (1) Subject to this section, the Commissioner holds office for such
period, not exceeding 5 years, as is specified in the instrument of the
person's appointment, but is eligible for re-appointment.

  (2) A person who has attained the age of 65 years shall not be appointed or
re-appointed as the Commissioner and a person shall not be appointed or
re-appointed as the Commissioner for a period that extends beyond the day on
which the person will attain the age of 65 years.

  (3) The Commissioner holds office on such terms and conditions (if any) in
respect of matters not provided for by this Act as are determined by the
Governor-General.


SEX DISCRIMINATION ACT 1984 No. 4, 1984 - SECT. 98.
Remuneration of Commissioner



  98. (1) The Commissioner shall be paid such remuneration as is determined by
the Remuneration Tribunal, but, if no determination of that remuneration by
the Remuneration Tribunal is in operation, the Commissioner shall be paid such
remuneration as is prescribed.

  (2) The Commissioner shall be paid such allowances as are prescribed.

  (3) This section has effect subject to the Remuneration Tribunals Act 1973.


SEX DISCRIMINATION ACT 1984 No. 4, 1984 - SECT. 99.
Leave of absence



  99. The Minister may grant leave of absence from duty to the Commissioner
upon such terms and conditions as to remuneration or otherwise as the Minister
determines.


SEX DISCRIMINATION ACT 1984 No. 4, 1984 - SECT. 100.
Outside employment



  100. The Commissioner shall not, except with the approval of the Minister,
engage in paid employment outside the duties of the office of Commissioner.


SEX DISCRIMINATION ACT 1984 No. 4, 1984 - SECT. 101.
Resignation



  101. The Commissioner may resign from the office of Commissioner by writing
delivered to the Governor-General.


SEX DISCRIMINATION ACT 1984 No. 4, 1984 - SECT. 102.
Termination of appointment



  102. (1) The Governor-General may terminate the appointment of the
Commissioner by reason of misbehaviour or of physical or mental incapacity.

  (2) The Governor-General shall terminate the appointment of the Commissioner
if the Commissioner-

  (a)  becomes bankrupt, applies to take the benefit of any law for the relief
of bankrupt or insolvent debtors, compounds with creditors or makes an
assignment of remuneration for their benefit;


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  (b)  is absent from duty, except on leave of absence granted by the
Minister, for 14 consecutive days or for 28 days in any period of 12 months;
or

  (c)  engages in paid employment outside the duties of the office of
Commissioner otherwise than with the consent of the Minister.


SEX DISCRIMINATION ACT 1984 No. 4, 1984 - SECT. 103.
Acting Commissioner



  103. (1) The Minister may appoint a person to act as Commissioner-

  (a)  during a vacancy in the office of Commissioner, whether or not an
appointment has previously been made to the office; or

  (b)  during any period, or during all periods, when the Commissioner is
absent from duty or from Australia, or is, for any other reason, unable to
perform the functions of the office of Commissioner,
but a person appointed to act during a vacancy shall not continue so to act
for more than 12 months.

  (2) An appointment of a person under sub-section (1) may be expressed to
have effect only in such circumstances as are specified in the instrument of
appointment.

  (3) The Minister may-

  (a)  determine the terms and conditions of appointment, including
remuneration and allowances, of a person acting as Commissioner; and

  (b)  terminate such an appointment at any time.

  (4) Where a person is acting as Commissioner in circumstances referred to in
paragraph (1) (b) and the office of Commissioner becomes vacant while that
person is so acting, then, subject to sub-section (2), that person may
continue so to act until the Minister otherwise directs, the vacancy is filled
or a period of 12 months from the date on which the vacancy occurred expires,
whichever first happens.

  (5) The appointment of a person to act as Commissioner ceases to have effect
if the person resigns the appointment by writing signed by the person and
delivered to the Minister.

  (6) While a person is acting as Commissioner, the person has and may
exercise all the powers and shall perform all the functions of the
Commissioner under this Act.

  (7) The validity of anything done by a person purporting to act pursuant to
an appointment made under sub-section (1) shall not be called in question on
the ground that the occasion for the person's appointment had not arisen, that
there is a defect or irregularity in or in connection with the appointment,
that the appointment had ceased to have effect or that the occasion for the
person to act had not arisen or had ceased.


SEX DISCRIMINATION ACT 1984 No. 4, 1984 - SECT. 104.
Delegation


                             PART VI-MISCELLANEOUS

  104. (1) The Commission may, either generally or as otherwise provided by
the instrument of delegation, by writing under its seal, delegate to a member
of the Commission, the Commissioner, a member of the staff of the Commission
or another person or body of persons all or any of the powers conferred on the
Commission under this Act, other than-

  (a)  powers in connection with the performance of the functions that, under
section 49, are to be performed by the Commissioner on behalf of the
Commission; and

  (b)  this power of delegation.

  (2) The Commissioner may, either generally or as otherwise provided by the
instrument of delegation, by writing signed by the Commissioner, delegate to-

  (a)  a member of the staff of the Commission; or

  (b)  any other person or body of persons,
approved by the Commission, all or any of the powers exercisable by the
Commissioner under this Act, other than this power of delegation.

  (3) A power delegated by the Commission under sub-section (1) or by the
Commissioner under sub-section (2), when exercised by the delegate, shall, for
the purposes of this Act, be deemed to have been exercised by the Commission
or by the Commissioner, as the case may be.

  (4) A delegation under this section by the Commission or by the Commissioner
does not prevent the exercise of a power by the Commission or by the
Commissioner, as the case may be.


SEX DISCRIMINATION ACT 1984 No. 4, 1984 - SECT. 105.
Liability of persons involved in unlawful acts



  105. A person who causes, instructs, induces, aids or permits another person

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to do an act that is unlawful under Division 1 or 2 of Part II shall, for the
purposes of this Act, be taken also to have done the act.


SEX DISCRIMINATION ACT 1984 No. 4, 1984 - SECT. 106.
Vicarious liability, &c.;



  106. (1) Subject to sub-section (2), where an employee or agent of a person
does, in connection with the employment of the employee or with the duties of
the agent as an agent-

  (a)  an act that would, if it were done by the person, be unlawful under
Division 1 or 2 of Part II (whether or not the act done by the employee or
agent is unlawful under Divison 1 or 2 of Part II); or

  (b)  an act that is unlawful under Division 3 of Part II,
this Act applies in relation to that person as if that person had also done
the act.

  (2) Sub-section (1) does not apply in relation to an act of a kind referred
to in paragraph (1) (a) or (b) done by an employee or agent of a person if it
is established that the person took all reasonable steps to prevent the
employee or agent from doing acts of the kind referred to in that paragraph.


SEX DISCRIMINATION ACT 1984 No. 4, 1984 - SECT. 107.
Acts done on behalf of bodies



  107. (1) Where, for the purposes of this Act, it is necessary to establish
that a body corporate has done an act on a particular ground, it is sufficient
to establish that a person who acted on behalf of the body corporate in the
matter so acted on that ground.

  (2) Where a person attends a conference under Division 2 of Part III, or
appears before the Commission under Division 3 of Part III, on behalf of a
body of persons, whether corporate or unincorporate, any conduct by that
person when so attending or appearing shall be deemed, for the purposes of
this Act, to be conduct of the body.


SEX DISCRIMINATION ACT 1984 No. 4, 1984 - SECT. 108.
Commonwealth deemed to be employer



  108. For the purposes of this Act, all Commonwealth employees shall be
deemed to be employed by the Commonwealth.


SEX DISCRIMINATION ACT 1984 No. 4, 1984 - SECT. 109.
Awards inconsistent with this Act not to be made



  109. This Act is a prescribed Act for the purposes of sub-section 41A (1) of
the Conciliation and Arbitration Act 1904.


SEX DISCRIMINATION ACT 1984 No. 4, 1984 - SECT. 110.
Unlawful act not basis of civil action unless expressly so provided



  110. Except as expressly provided by this Act, nothing in this Act confers
on a person any right of action in respect of the doing of an act that is
unlawful by reason of a provision of Part II.


SEX DISCRIMINATION ACT 1984 No. 4, 1984 - SECT. 111.
Protection from civil actions



  111. (1) The Commission, a member of the Commission, the Commissioner or a
person acting under the direction or authority of the Commission or of the
Commissioner or pursuant to a delegation under section 104 is not liable to an
action or other proceeding for damages for or in relation to an act done or
omitted to be done in good faith in the performance or purported performance
of any function, or in the exercise or purported exercise of any power or
authority, conferred on the Commission or the Commissioner.

  (2) Where-

  (a)  a complaint has been made to the Commission; or

  (b)  a submission has been made, a document or information has been
furnished, or evidence has been given, to the Commission or the Commissioner,
a person is not liable to an action, suit or other proceeding in respect of
loss, damage or injury of any kind suffered by another person by reason only
that the complaint or submission was made, the document or information was
furnished or the evidence was given.


SEX DISCRIMINATION ACT 1984 No. 4, 1984 - SECT. 112.
Non-disclosure of private information



  112. (1) A person who is, or has at any time been, the Commissioner, a
member of the Commission or a member of the staff assisting the Commission or
is, or has at any time been, authorized to perform or exercise any function or
power of the Commission or the Commissioner or any function or power on behalf
of the Commission or the Commissioner, being a function or power conferred on
the Commission or on the Commissioner under this Act, shall not, either
directly or indirectly, except in the performance of a duty under or in
connection with this Act or in the performance or exercise of such a function
or power-

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  (a)  make a record of, or divulge or communicate to any person, any
information relating to the affairs of another person acquired by the
first-mentioned person by reason of that person's office or employment under
or for the purposes of this Act or by reason of that person being or having
been so authorized;

  (b)  make use of any such information as is mentioned in paragraph (a); or

  (c)  produce to any person a document relating to the affairs of another
person furnished for the purposes of this Act.

  Penalty: $2,500 or imprisonment for 3 months, or both.

  (2) A person who is, or has at any time been, the Commissioner, a member of
the Commission or a member of the staff assisting the Commission or is, or has
at any time been, authorized to perform or exercise any function or power of
the Commission or the Commissioner or any function or power on behalf of the
Commission or the Commissioner, being a function or power conferred on the
Commission or on the Commissioner under this Act, shall not be required-

  (a)  to divulge or communicate to a court any information relating to the
affairs of another person acquired by the first-mentioned person by reason of
that person's office or employment under or for the purposes of this Act or by
reason of that person being or having been so authorized; or

  (b)  to produce in a court a document relating to the affairs of another
person of which the first-mentioned person has custody, or to which that
person has access, by reason of that person's office or employment under or
for the purposes of this Act or by reason of that person being or having been
so authorized,
except where it is necessary to do so for the purposes of this Act.

  (3) Nothing in this section prohibits a person from-

  (a)  divulging or communicating information, or producing a document, to an
authority of a State in accordance with an arrangement in force under section
11 of the Human Rights Commission Act 1981; or

  (b)  divulging or communicating information, or producing a document, that
is, or is included in a class of information that is or a class of documents
that are, required or permitted by an Act to be divulged, communicated or
produced, as the case may be.

  (4) In this section-

  ''court'' includes any tribunal, authority or person having power to require
the production of documents or the answering of questions;

  ''produce'' includes permit access to.


SEX DISCRIMINATION ACT 1984 No. 4, 1984 - SECT. 113.
Information stored otherwise than in written form



  113. Where information is recorded or stored by means of a mechanical,
electronic or other device, any duty imposed by this Act to produce the
document recording that information shall be construed as a duty to provide a
document containing a clear reproduction in writing of the information.


SEX DISCRIMINATION ACT 1984 No. 4, 1984 - SECT. 114.
Commissioner to furnish information



  114. The Commissioner shall furnish to the Commission such information
relating to the operations of the Commissioner under this Act as the
Commission from time to time requires.


SEX DISCRIMINATION ACT 1984 No. 4, 1984 - SECT. 115.
Jurisdiction of Federal Court



  115. The Federal Court has jurisdiction with respect to matters arising
under Part III.


SEX DISCRIMINATION ACT 1984 No. 4, 1984 - SECT. 116.
Regulations



  116. The Governor-General may make regulations, not inconsistent with this
Act, prescribing matters-

  (a) required or permitted by this Act to be prescribed; or

  (b) necessary or convenient to be prescribed for carrying out or giving
effect to this Act.

                                ----------------


SEX DISCRIMINATION ACT 1984 No. 4, 1984 - SCHEDULE 1


                                    SCHEDULE
                                                                   Section 4

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    CONVENTION ON THE ELIMINATION OF ALL FORMS OF DISCRIMINATION AGAINST
                                     WOMEN

The States Parties to the present Convention,

  Noting that the Charter of the United Nations reaffirms faith in
fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person and in
the equal rights of men and women,

  Noting that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights affirms the
principle of the inadmissibility of discrimination and proclaims that all
human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights and that everyone is
entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth therein, without
distinction of any kind, including distinction based on sex,

  Noting that the States Parties to the International Covenants on Human
Rights have the obligation to ensure the equal right of men and women to
enjoy all economic, social, cultural, civil and political rights,

  Considering the international conventions concluded under the auspices
of the United Nations and the specialised agencies promoting equality of
rights of men and women,

  Noting also the resolutions, declarations and recommendations adopted
by the United Nations and the specialised agencies promoting equality of
rights of men and women,

  Concerned, however, that despite these various instruments extensive
discrimination against women continues to exist,

  Recalling that discrimination against women violates the principles of
equality of rights and respect for human dignity, is an obstacle to the
participation of women, on equal terms with men, in the political, social,
economic and cultural life of their countries, hampers the growth of the
prosperity of society and the family and makes more difficult the full
development of the potentialities of women in the service of their countries
and of humanity,

  Concerned that in situations of poverty women have the least access to
food, health, education, training and opportunities for employment and other
needs,

  Convinced that the establishment of the new international economic
order based on equity and justice will contribute significantly towards the
promotion of equality between men and women,

  Emphasizing that the eradication of apartheid, of all forms of racism,
racial discrimination, colonialism, neo-colonialism, aggression, foreign
occupation and domination and interference in the internal affairs of States
is essential to the full enjoyment of the rights of men and women,

  Affirming that the strengthening of international peace and security,
relaxation of international tension, mutual co-operation among all States
irrespective of their social and economic systems, general and complete
disarmament, and in particular nuclear disarmament under strict and effective
international control, the affirmation of the principles of justice, equality
and mutual benefit in relations among countries and the realisation of the
right of peoples under alien and colonial domination and foreign occupation
to self-determination and independence, as well as respect for national
sovereignty and territorial integrity, will promote social progress and
development and as a consequence will contribute to the attainment of full
equality between men and women,

  Convinced that the full and complete development of a country, the
welfare of the world and the cause of peace require the maximum participation
of women on equal terms with men in all fields,

  Bearing in mind the great contribution of women to the welfare of the
family and to the development of society, so far not fully recognised, the
social significance of maternity and the role of both parents in the family
and in the upbringing of children, and aware that the role of women in procreation
should not be a basis for discrimination but that the upbringing of children
requires a sharing of responsibility between men and women and society as a
whole,

  Aware that a change in the traditional role of men as well as the role
of women in society and in the family is needed to achieve full equality
between men and women,

  Determined to implement the principles set forth in the Declaration on

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the Elimination of Discrimination against Women and, for that purpose, to
adopt the measures required for the elimination of such discrimination in all its
forms and manifestations,

  Have agreed on the following:

                                    PART 1

                                   Article 1

  For the purposes of the present Convention, the term ''discrimination against
women'' shall mean any distinction, exclusion or restriction made on the basis
of sex which has the effect or purpose of impairing or nullifying the
recognition, enjoyment or exercise by women, irrespective of their marital
status, on a basis of equality of men and women, of human rights and
fundamental freedoms in the political, economic, social, cultural, civil or
any other field. 
                                   Article 2

  States Parties condemn discrimination against women in all its forms, agree
to pursue by all appropriate means and without delay a policy of eliminating
discrimination against women and, to this end, undertake:

  (a)  To embody the principle of the equality of men and women in their
national constitutions or other appropriate legislation if not yet incorporated
therein and to ensure, through law and other appropriate means, the practical
realisation of this principle;

  (b)  To adopt appropriate legislative and other measures, including sanctions
where appropriate, prohibiting all discrimination against women;

  (c)  To establish legal protection of the rights of women on an equal basis
with men and to ensure through competent national tribunals and other public
institutions the effective protection of women against any act of
discrimination;

  (d)  To refrain from engaging in any act or practice of discrimination
against women and to ensure that public authorities and institutions shall act in
conformity with this obligation;

  (e)  To take all appropriate measures to eliminate discrimination against
women by any person, organisation or enterprise;

  (f)  To take all appropriate measures, including legislation, to modify or
abolish existing laws, regulations, customs and practices which constitute
discrimination against women;

  (g)  To repeal all national penal provisions which constitute discrimination
against women.

                                   Article 3

  States Parties shall take in all fields, in particular in the political,
social, economic and cultural fields, all appropriate measures, including
legislation, to ensure the full development and advancement of women, for the
purpose of guaranteeing them the exercise and enjoyment of human rights and
fundamental freedoms on a basis of equality with men.

                                   Article 4

  1. Adoption by States Parties of temporary special measures aimed at
accelerating de facto equality between men and women shall not be
considered discrimination as defined in the present Convention, but shall in no
way entail as a consequence the maintenance of unequal or separate standards;
these measures shall be discontinued when the objectives of equality of
opportunity and treatment have been achieved.

  2. Adoption by States Parties of special measures, including those measures
contained in the present Convention, aimed at protecting maternity shall not be
considered discriminatory.

                                   Article 5

  States Parties shall take all appropriate measures:

  (a)  To modify the social and cultural patterns of conduct of men and women,
with a view to achieving the elimination of prejudices and customary and all
other practices which are based on the idea of the inferiority or the
superiority of either of the sexes or on stereotyped roles for men and women;


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  (b)  To ensure that family education includes a proper understanding of
maternity as a social function and the recognition of the common responsibility
of men and women in the upbringing and development of their children, it being
understood that the interest of the children is the primordial consideration in
all cases.

                                   Article 6

  States Parties shall take all appropriate measures, including legislation, to
suppress all forms of traffic in women and exploitation of prostitution of
women.


                                    PART II

                                   Article 7

  States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to eliminate
discrimination against women in the political and public life of the country
and, in particular, shall ensure to women, on equal terms with men, the right:

  (a)  To vote in all elections and public referenda and to be eligible for
election to all publicly elected bodies;

  (b)  To participate in the formulation of government policy and the
implementation thereof and to hold public office and perform all public
functions at all levels of government;

  (c)  To participate in non-governmental organisations and associations
concerned with the public and political life of the country.

                                   Article 8

  States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to ensure to women, on
equal terms with men and without any discrimination, the opportunity to
represent their Governments at the international level and to participate in
the work of international organisations.

                                   Article 9

  1. States Parties shall grant women equal rights with men to acquire, change
or retain their nationality. They shall ensure in particular that neither
marriage to an alien nor change of nationality by the husband during marriage
shall automatically change the nationality of the wife, render her stateless or
force upon her the nationality of the husband.

  2. States Parties shall grant women equal rights with men with respect to the
nationality of their children.

                                   PART III

                                   Article 10

  States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to eliminate
discrimination against women in order to ensure to them equal rights with men
in the field of education and in particular to ensure, on a basis of equality
of men and women:

  (a)  The same conditions for career and vocational guidance, for access to
studies and for the achievement of diplomas in educational establishments of
all categories in rural as well as in urban areas; this equality shall be
ensured in pre-school, general, technical, professional and higher technical
education, as well as in all types of vocational training;

  (b)  Access to the same curricula, the same examinations, teaching staff with
qualifications of the same standard and school premises and equipment of the
same quality;

  (c)  The elimination of any stereotyped concept of the roles of men and women
at all levels and in all forms of education by encouraging coeducation and
other types of education which will help to achieve this aim and, in particular, by
the revision of textbooks and school programmes and the adaption of teaching
methods;


  (d)  The same opportunities to benefit from scholarships and other study
grants;

  (e)  The same opportunities for access to programmes of continuing education,
including adult and functional literacy programmes, particularly those aimed at
reducing, at the earliest possible time, any gap in education existing between

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men and women;

  (f)  The reduction of female student drop-out rates and the organisation of
programmes for girls and women who have left school prematurely;

  (g)  The same opportunities to participate actively in sports and physical
education;

  (h)  Access to specific educational information to help to ensure the health
and well-being of families, including information and advice on family planning.
                                   Article 11

  1. States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to eliminate
discrimination against women in the field of employment in order to ensure, on
a basis of equality of men and women, the same rights, in particular:

  (a)  The right to work as an inalienable right of all human beings;

  (b)  The right to the same employment opportunities, including the
application of the same criteria for selection in matters of employment;

  (c)  The right to free choice of profession and employment, the right to
promotion, job security and all benefits and conditions of service and the
right to receive vocational training and retraining, including apprenticeships,
advanced vocational training and recurrent training;

  (d)  The right to equal remuneration, including benefits, and to equal
treatment in respect of work of equal value, as well as equality of treatment
in the evaluation of the quality of work;

  (e)  The right to social security, particularly in cases of retirement,
unemployment, sickness, invalidity and old age and other incapacity to work, as
well as the right to paid leave;

  (f)  The right to protection of health and to safety in working conditions,
including the safeguarding of the function of reproduction.

  2. In order to prevent discrimination against women on the grounds of
marriage or maternity and to ensure their effective right to work, States
Parties shall take appropriate measures:

  (a)  To prohibit, subject to the imposition of sanctions, dismissal on the
grounds of pregnancy or of maternity leave and discrimination in dismissals on
the basis of marital status;

  (b)  To introduce maternity leave with pay or with comparable social benefits
without loss of former employment, seniority or social allowances;

  (c)  To encourage the provision of the necessary supporting social services
to enable parents to combine family obligations with work responsibilities and
participation in public life, in particular through promoting the establishment
and development of a network of child-care facilities;

  (d)  To provide special protection to women during pregnancy in types of work
proved to be harmful to them.

  3. Protective legislation relating to matters covered in this article shall
be reviewed periodically in the light of scientific and technological
knowledge and shall be revised, repealed or extended as necessary.

                                   Article 12

  1. States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to eliminate
discrimination against women in the field of health care in order to ensure, on
a basis of equality of men and women, access to health care services, including
those related to family planning.

  2. Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph 1 of this article, States
Parties shall ensure to women appropriate services in connexion with pregnancy,
confinement and the post-natal period, granting free services where necessary,
as well as adequate nutrition during pregnancy and lactation.

                                   Article 13

  States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to eliminate
discrimination against women in other areas of economic and social life in
order to ensure, on a basis of equality of men and women, the same rights, in particular:

  (a)  The right to family benefits;


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  (b)  The right to bank loans, mortgages and other forms of financial credit;

  (c)  The right to participate in recreational activities, sports and all
aspects of cultural life.

                                   Article 14

  1. States Parties shall take into account the particular problems faced by
rural women and the significant roles which rural women play in the economic
survival of their families, including their work in the non-monetized sectors
of the economy, and shall take all appropriate measures to ensure the application
of the provisions of this Convention to women in rural areas.

  2. States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to eliminate
discrimination against women in rural areas in order to ensure, on a basis of
equality of men and women, that they participate in and benefit from rural
development and, in particular, shall ensure to such women the right:

  (a)  To participate in the elaboration and implementation of development
planning at all levels;

  (b)  To have access to adequate health care facilities, including
information, counselling and services in family planning;

  (c)  To benefit directly from social security programmes;

  (d)  To obtain all types of training and education, formal and non-formal,
including that relating to functional literacy, as well as, inter alia,
the benefit of all community and extension services, in order to increase their
technical proficiency;

  (e)  To organise self-help groups and co-operatives in order to obtain equal
access to economic opportunities through employment or self-employment;

  (f)   To participate in all community activities;

  (g)  To have access to agricultural credit and loans, marketing facilities,
appropriate technology and equal treatment in land and agrarian reform as well
as in land resettlement schemes;

  (h)  To enjoy adequate living conditions, particularly in relation to
housing, sanitation, electricity and water supply, transport and communications.


                                    PART IV

                                   Article 15

  1. States Parties shall accord to women equality with men before the law.

  2. States Parties shall accord to women, in civil matters, a legal capacity
identical to that of men and the same opportunities to exercise that capacity.
In particular, they shall give women equal rights to conclude contracts and to
administer property and shall treat them equally in all stages of procedure in
courts and tribunals.

  3. States Parties agree that all contracts and all other private instruments
of any kind with a legal effect which is directed at restricting the legal
capacity of women shall be deemed null and void.

  4. States Parties shall accord to men and women the same rights with regard
to the law relating to the movement of persons and the freedom to chose their
residence and domicile.

                                   Article 16

  1. States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to eliminate
discrimination against women in all matters relating to marriage and family
relations and in particular shall ensure, on a basis of equality of men and
women:

  (a)  The same right to enter into marriage;

  (b)  The same right freely to choose a spouse and to enter into marriage only
with their free and full consent;

  (c)  The same rights and responsibilities during marriage and at its
dissolution;

  (d)  The same rights and responsibilities as parents, irrespective of their

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marital status, in matters relating to their children; in all cases the
interests of the children shall be paramount;

  (e)  The same rights to decide freely and responsibly on the number and
spacing of their children and to have access to the information, education and
means to enable them to exercise these rights;

  (f)  The same rights and responsibilities with regard to guardianship,
wardship, trusteeship and adoption of children, or similar institutions where
these concepts exist in national legislation; in all cases the interests of the
children shall be paramount;

  (g)  The same personal rights as husband and wife, including the right to
choose a family name, a profession and an occupation;

  (h)  The same rights for both spouses in respect of the ownership,
acquisition, management, administration, enjoyment and disposition of property,
whether free of charge or for a valuable consideration.

  2. The betrothal and the marriage of a child shall have no legal effect, and
all necessary action, including legislation, shall be taken to specify a
minimum age for marriage and to make the registration of marriages in an official
registry compulsory.

                                    PART V

                                   Article 17

  1. For the purpose of considering the progress made in the implementation of
the present Convention, there shall be established a Committee on the
Elimination of Discrimination against Women (hereinafter referred to as the
Committee) consisting, at the time of entry into force of the Convention, of
eighteen and, after ratification of or accession to the Convention by the
thirty-fifth State Party, of twenty-three experts of high moral standing and
competence in the field covered by the Convention. The experts shall be elected
by States Parties from among their nationals and shall serve in their personal
capacity, consideration being given to equitable geographical distribution and
to the representation of the different forms of civilisation as well as the
principal legal systems.


  2. The members of the Committee shall be elected by secret ballot from a list
of persons nominated by States Parties. Each State Party may nominate one
person from among its own nationals.

  3. The initial election shall be held six months after the date of the entry
into force of the present Convention. At least three months before the date of
each election the Secretary-General of the United Nations shall address a
letter to the States Parties inviting them to submit their nominations within two
months. The Secretary-General shall prepare a list in alphabetical order of all
persons thus nominated, indicating the States Parties which have nominated
them, and shall submit it to the States Parties.

  4. Elections of the members of the Committee shall be held at a meeting of
States Parties convened by the Secretary-General at United Nations
Headquarters. At that meeting, for which two thirds of the States Parties
shall constitute a quorum, the persons elected to the Committee shall be those
nominees who obtain the largest number of votes and an absolute majority of the
votes of the representatives of States Parties present and voting.

  5. The members of the Committee shall be elected for a term of four years.
However, the terms of nine of the members elected at the first election shall
expire at the end of two years; immediately after the first election the names
of these nine members shall be chosen by lot by the Chairman of the Committee.

  6. The election of the five additional members of the Committee shall be held
in accordance with the provisions of paragraphs 2, 3, and 4 of this article,
following the thirty-fifth ratification or accession. The terms of two of the
additional members elected on this occasion shall expire at the end of two
years, the names of these two members having been chosen by lot by the Chairman
of the Committee.

  7. For the filling of casual vacancies, the State Party whose expert has
ceased to function as a member of the Committee shall appoint another expert
from among its nationals, subject to the approval of the Committee.

  8. The members of the Committee shall, with the approval of the General
Assembly, receive emoluments from United Nations resources on such terms and
conditions as the Assembly may decide, having regard to the importance of the
Committee's responsibilities.


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  9. The Secretary-General of the United Nations shall provide the necessary
staff and facilities for the effective performance of the functions of the
Committee under the present Convention.

                                   Article 18

  1. States Parties undertake to submit to the Secretary-General of the United
Nations for consideration by the Committee, a report on the legislative,
judicial, administrative or other measures which they have adopted to give
effect to the provisions of the present Convention and on the progress made in
this respect:

  (a)  Within one year after the entry into force for the State concerned; and

  (b)  Thereafter at least every four years and further whenever the Committee
so requests.

  2. Reports may indicate factors and difficulties affecting the degree of
fulfilment of obligations under the present Convention.

                                   Article 19

  1. The Committee shall adopt its own rules of procedure.

  2. The Committee shall elect its officers for a term of two years.

                                   Article 20

  1. The Committee shall normally meet for a period of not more than two weeks
annually in order to consider the reports submitted in accordance with Article
18 of the present Convention.

  2. The meetings of the Committee shall normally be held at United Nations
Headquarters or at any other convenient place as determined by the Committee.

                                   Article 21

  1. The Committee shall, through the Economic and Social Council, report
annually to the General Assembly of the United Nations on its activities and
may make suggestions and general recommendations based on the examination of
reports and information received from the States Parties. Such suggestions and
general recommendations shall be included in the report of the Committee together
with comments, if any, from States Parties.

  2. The Secretary-General shall transmit the reports of the Committee to the
Commission on the Status of Women for its information.

                                   Article 22

  The specialised agencies shall be entitled to be represented at the
consideration of the implementation of such provisions of the present
Convention as fall within the scope of their activities. The Committee may
invite the specialised agencies to submit reports on the implementation of the
Convention in areas falling within the scope of their activities.


                                    PART VI

                                   Article 23

  Nothing in this Convention shall affect any provisions that are more
conducive to the achievement of equality between men and women which may be
contained:

  (a)  In the legislation of a State Party; or

  (b)  In any other international convention, treaty or agreement in force for
that State.

                                   Article 24

  States Parties undertake to adopt all necessary measures at the national
level aimed at achieving the full realisation of the rights recognised in the
present Convention.

                                   Article 25

  1. The present Convention shall be open for signature by all States.

  2. The Secretary-General of the United Nations is designated as the
depositary of the present Convention.

  3. The present Convention is subject to ratification. Instruments of
ratification shall be deposited with the Secretary-General of the United
Nations.

  4. The present Convention shall be open to accession by all States.  Accession
shall be effected by the deposit of an instrument of accession with the
Secretary-General of the United Nations.

                                   Article 26

  1. A request for the revision of the present Convention may be made at any
time by any State Party by means of a notification in writing addressed to the
Secretary-General of the United Nations.

  2. The General Assembly of the United Nations shall decide upon the steps, if
any, to be taken in respect of such a request.

                                   Article 27

  1. The present Convention shall enter into force on the thirtieth day after
the date of deposit with the Secretary-General of the United Nations of the
twentieth instrument of ratification or accession.

  2. For each State ratifying the present Convention or acceding to it after
the deposit of the twentieth instrument of ratification or accession, the
Convention shall enter into force on the thirtieth day after the date of the
deposit of its own instrument of ratification or accession.

                                   Article 28

  1. The Secretary-General of the United Nations shall receive and circulate to
all States the text of reservations made by States at the time of ratification
or accession.

  2. A reservation incompatible with the object and purpose of the present
Convention shall not be permitted.

  3. Reservations may be withdrawn at any time by notification to this effect
addressed to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, who shall then inform
all States thereof. Such notification shall take effect on the date on which it
is received.

                                   Article 29

  1. Any dispute between two or more States Parties concerning the
interpretation or application of the present Convention which is not settled by
negotiation shall, at the request of one of them, be submitted to arbitration.
If within six months from the date of the request for arbitration the parties
are unable to agree on the organisation of the arbitration, any one of those
parties may refer the dispute to the International Court of Justice by request
in conformity with the Statute of the Court.

  2. Each State Party may at the time of signature or ratification of this
Convention or accession thereto declare that it does not consider itself bound
by paragraph 1 of this article. The other States Parties shall not be bound by
that paragraph with respect to any State Party which has made such a
reservation.

  3. Any State Party which has made a reservation in accordance with paragraph
2 of this article may at any time withdraw that reservation by notification to
the Secretary-General of the United Nations.

                                   Article 30

  The present Convention, the Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and
Spanish texts of which are equally authentic, shall be deposited with the
Secretary-General of the United Nations.

  IN WITNESS WHEREOF the undersigned, duly authorised, have signed the present
Convention.
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