Page 899 - Week 04 - Tuesday, 16 June 1992

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CHIEF MINISTER FOR THE AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTION

Question No. 120

Women Act Newsletter

MR CORNWELL - Asked the Chief Minister upon notice on 12 May 1992:

In relation to the publication "Women ACT" published by the Public Affairs Branch for the ACT Womens Unit -

(1) What consultation occurred between officers of your Department and the Attorney-Generals Department concerning the application of the Discrimination Act 1997 to this publication.

(2) Will the Government publish a corresponding publication "Men Act" in the interests of equity and fairness.

MS FOLLETT - the answer to parts I and 2 of the Members question is as follows:

"Women Act" was first published in August 1990, 17 months prior to the commencement of the ACT Discrimination Act.

The Attorney Generals Department advises that the publication is covered under Section 27 of the Act which states that:

"Nothing in Part III renders it unlawful to do an act a purpose which is-

(a) to ensure that members of a relevant class of persons have equal opportunities with other persons; or

(b) to afford members of a relevant class of persons access to facilities, services or opportunities to meet their special needs.

The Newsletter is circulated to all women and men registered on the Womens Unit mailing list as well as through the ACT Government Shopfronts.

The Government intends to continue the pattern set by the Alliance Government by not publishing a corresponding mens newsletter on the basis that this is a group that does not face substantial discrimination in our society.

899

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