Connie Bonaros MLC proposes Gender Equality Bill to protect SA’s public sector

·

SA-BEST MLC Connie Bonaros has proposed new laws to establish a Gender Equality Commissioner in South Australia to help identify and address inequity, such as gender pay gaps, across the state’s public sector.

The Advertiser reports that the Gender Equality Bill would affect more than 107,400 public servants from nurses to teachers, judges, local mayors and MPs – 14.4 percent of the South Australian workforce.

“This Bill is to ensure we are not judged by our chromosomes and can live our lives without discrimination, harassment, bullying and violence,” Ms Bonaros told The Advertiser.

“If passed, South Australia will be the second state in Australia to enact gender equality legislation following Victoria’s lead from last year.”

SA Best MLC Connie Bonaros on the steps of state parliament House. Picture: Mark Brake.

READ MORE: Greek Australian politicians on why SA Parliament has the worst female MP representation in Australia.

The Bill would cover public service ‘entities,’ such as universities and the South Australian Courts Administration Authority. The entities would have clear obligations to set up and meet tailored gender targets, while the Gender Equality Commissioner would oversee the Bill’s compliance and enforcement.

Labor is broadly supportive of the Bill, up for committee stage discussion in the Upper House from August. The state government is still formalising a position on it.

READ MORE: SA Best MLC Connie Bonaros urges for sexual harassment review recommendations to be implemented.

Ms Bonaros said gender equality was a basic human right and one that brought significant economic, social and health benefits for South Australians, including the prevention of family and other forms of violence.

Connie Bonaros says gender equality was a basic human right.

She said public sector workplaces needed to be a beacon of example in gender equality if it was expected of non-government businesses and corporations.

State opposition spokeswoman for Women, Katrine Hildyard, agrees and told The Advertiser she also sees “benefits” to the proposed bill.

“We see benefits in establishing a Commissioner for Gender Equality like Victoria has to promote gender equality programs, services and workplaces, and have contemplated similar legislation.

“It is unacceptable women continue to be disproportionately and negatively impacted by pay inequality, gendered violence, sexual assault and other forms of discrimination, all of which a Commissioner could proactively address.”

Source: The Advertiser.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Acclaimed Greek film ‘Stelios’ to have Australian premiere in April

The Greek Festival of Sydney has announced the Australian premiere of the highly anticipated Greek film 'Stelios' on April 23, 2025.

Oakleigh Grammar inducts its 2025 student leaders

Oakleigh Grammar in Melbourne has inducted its 2025 School leaders from the Junior, Middle and Senior Schools.

SA Full Court ends dispute over teacher Dimosthenis Kourlas’ registration denial

The Supreme Court of South Australia’s Full Court has ruled on a dispute involving teaching graduate Dimosthenis Dillon Kourlas.

Peter V’landys urges Donald Trump to attend NRL Las Vegas showcase

NRL chief Peter V’landys has publicly invited US President Donald Trump to attend rugby league’s season-opening event in Las Vegas.

South Melbourne FC announces Directed as Major Sponsor in landmark partnership

Directed is the major sponsor of South Melbourne FC, aligning two organisations driven by innovation and a sense of community.

You May Also Like

New chief of Greece’s intelligence service appointed after wiretapping scandal

Greek diplomat, Themistoklis Demiris, was appointed on Wednesday the new chief of Greece's intelligence service.

Greece wildfires burn 60 percent of Evros olive groves

The devastating wildfires in northeastern Greece's Evros region have triggered an environmental catastrophe for the local agricultural sector.

Greece to implement plastic ban

The Greek market will rise to the challenge of eliminating single-use plastics, replacing them with green alternatives. Mitsotakis made an announcement in New York, where...