Oz govt steps up fight against cyber bullying, sexual harassment

MELBOURNE - Students, nursing women and people with family responsibilities will form the basis for new measures to be adopted by the Australian Government to tackle online bullying and sexual harassment.

With an aim to strengthen discrimination laws, the Independent Education Union of Australia have submitted a report to the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee, examining sex and age discrimination legislation.

In its submission, the IEUA said that the present laws did not protect students or staff at educational facilities from harassment by persons at other facilities, reports News.com.au.

The IEUA supported proposed amendments that would cover sexual harassment at inter-school activities, such as sporting carnivals or joint theatrical productions.

It also called for specific laws to deal with Internet harassment and bullying.

“IEUA believes it is imperative for legislation to provide strong protection by specifically making references to cyber harassment,” said the submission.

The IEUA also supported amendments to the Sex Discrimination Act to better protect people from discrimination on the grounds of family responsibility.

“Discrimination because of family responsibility is one of the major issues facing both men and women in the workforce. There must be clear and direct protection from it in all forms,” said the submission.

Breastfeeding women both at work and in other areas of public life also needed better protection, said the union.

The Australian Family Association has supported the proposed amendments broadening legal provisions regarding family responsibility. (ANI)