|
Where am I now? Lawlink > Anti-Discrimination Board > About Us > Anti-Discrimination Board 30th Anniversary
|
Print page
|
Anti-Discrimination Board 30th Anniversary
2007 marked the 30th anniversary of the NSW Ant-Discrimination Act and the Anti-Discrimination Board of NSW. The Board held a number of events to celebrate the anniversary and raise awareness about current discrimination issues.
 Events
Message from the President
Milestones in discrimination and human rights in NSW
Events
| Formal celebration at Parliament House
The formal celebration was an evening ceremony at NSW Parliament House. This included speeches by Attorney General John Hatzistergos, Administrative Decisions Tribunal Magistrate Nancy Henessy and Board President Stepan Kerkyasharian, and a peformance by young singers from Bankstown Council's Talent Advancement program.
Photo: (L-R) Community advocate Jim Bond, NSW Attorney General John Hatzistergos and ADB Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee member John Walford at Parliament House. |
| m | m |
| Forum
The first part of the forum addressed the history and future of the Anti-Discrimination Act. Speakers included Chris Ronalds SC, who was the first lawyer at the Board in 1977, Ken Davis from the pride History group, Joanna Shulman from the NSW Disability Discrimination Legal Centre, Board member and Sydney University Senior Lecturer in Industrial relations Suzanne Jamieson, and Dr Belinda Smith, Lecturer in anti-discrimination law at Sydney University.
The second part of the forum focussed on past and present discrimination against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Speakers incldued Linda Burney, a former Board member and currently NSW Minister for Community Services , Warren Mundine, CEO of the NSW Native Title Services and former ALP President, and Aboriginal barrister Tony McAvoy.
Photo: Speakers at part one of the forum: (L-R) Dr Suzanne Jamieson, Ken Davis, Chris Ronalds SC, Dr Belinda Smith, Joanna Shulman. |
| m | m |
| Theatre in Martin Place
A lunchtime event involving birthday cake, a performance by the Social Justice Theatre Troupe and an address by Board president Stepan kerkyasharian was held in Martin Place. |
| m | m |
 | Photography competition
The joint winners of the of the Anti-Discrimination Act 30th Anniversary Photo Competition were Arthur Roy of Toukley, for his series on multiculturalism and harmony, and Cassandra Stericker of Ermington for her series showing her son enjoying the Liberty swing in his wheelchair.
Photo: Playing Together in Harmony by Arthur Roy |
The Anti-Discrimination Board of NSW is celebrating 30 years of Anti-Discrimination Law in NSW. The NSW Anti-Discrimination Act of 1977 was a milestone in NSW legal history and a victory for social justice.
The Act now covers ten grounds following amendments over the years in accordance with shifting societal trends. We now recognise disability, homosexuality and transgender discrimination as significant grounds of discrimination.
Thirty years ago, NSW decided to get serious about equal rights for all. But what good is legislation without action? That’s why the Anti-Discrimination Board is so important. The thousands of enquiries and complaints we receive and resolve every year show we are delivering a valuable service to the people of NSW.
Employers are now serious about their obligations and responsibilities to treat their employees with respect. Employees are more aware of their rights, and their options. Our education program offers a valuable service to workplaces and community groups.
The role of the Education Services Branch is to help prevent discrimination by educating the people of NSW, employers, employees and service providers about their rights and responsibilities under anti-discrimination law. The branch has a self-funding education program aimed primarily at employers and services providers. It also delivers regular talks to various community groups and has run other community projects.It produces a wide range of publications and a comprehensive website.
As we celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the Act, let us look back with pride at this valuable piece of human rights legislation and at what it means for us today. Let us appreciate the service of the Anti-Discrimination Board to the community. And let us look forward to a future of human rights for all people in NSW.Milestones in discrimination and human rights in NSW
1977 The NSW Anti-Discrimination Act comes into effect, administered by the Anti-Discrimination Board
1989 Racial vilification added as a ground
1994 Disability discrimination added as a ground
1994 Age discrimination added as a ground
1994 HIV/AIDs vilification added as a ground
1994 Race definition broadened to include ethno-religion and descent
1996 Transgender added as a ground
1997 Sexual harassment added as a ground
2001 Carers' responsibilities added as a ground
2007 Breastfeeding discrimination specifically made unlawful
2009 Marital status discrimination extended to cover same-sex relationships
More information about the history of the NSW Anti-Discrimination Act....
Back to About Us |
|
