Can the mind set in our community be changed so that EQUALITY for all is accepted as the BASE CASE - not something to aspire toward in 300 years! The strategy could be to end harassment and discrimination by the end of the decade.
In 2024 the Australia Equal Opportunity legislation enacted in 1984 will have been in place for 40 years. And the Racial Discrimination legislation will have been in place 50 years in 2025.
Other legislation, codes etc followed to set the standard for other demographics, and other perpetrators of discrimination and harassment. We are cautiously optimistic that the state and federal budgets will see further public investment in equality – most likely to address the outcomes of inequality and lack of respect. But we have seen the closure of the Office of the Family Violence Reform Implementation Monitor, ahead of successful culture change across our community.
Should the various Human Rights/Equal Opportunity/Racial Discrimination/Consumer Affairs and Trade Practices Commissions, WorkSafe, and WGEA actively take the message the EQUALITY and RESPECT message into the community – that this is the BASE case – not a ‘nice to have’.
A change of approach is required to increase awareness and prevention. It is not a matter of improving websites for the community to find and expecting small and medium businesses to take up expensive eLearning. What if our leaders and these public institutions ramp up awareness and advocacy? Might that reduce the incidence of harassment and discrimination? As a non-party political organisation, it was inspiring to hear from Senator Judith Troeth about what can be achieved by women leading our nation together across political party lines to achieve change. (see April Newsletter)
Mission Australia Survey
Mission Australia’s Youth Survey 2023 is now open. Now in its 22nd year, it's the largest online survey of its kind in Australia and provides an important annual snapshot into the experiences and views of young people aged 15-19.
Take the survey, or share it with a young person so that their views are heard. Open from March - August.
Celebrating International Women and Girls on Science Day
Marking the eighth annual UN International Women and Girls in Science Day, Minister for Education Natalie Hutchins said the upcoming Trades Fit Expo represents an excellent opportunity for female and non-binary students to explore career opportunities in STEM fields. The Trades Fit is an expo hosted by the Department of Education for female and non-binary students in years 9-12. Held over 10-11 May at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, the expo allows students to experience exciting career opportunities in traditionally male-dominated fields through interactive experiences and conversation with industry, in a way that focuses on their perspectives.
Humanitech Summit
This is Australia’s flagship event at the intersection of technology, social innovation, and humanitarian action. Led by Humanitech, an initiative of Red Cross, the 2023 Summit will explore how technology can be used in ways that benefit people and society. A full day of thought-provoking and insightful sessions from leading thinkers at the forefront of change.
Wednesday 17 May 2023, State Library Victoria, Register Now
