# Australian Laws Fail Pregnant Workers and Mothers, Commission Finds

> Australia's sex discrimination laws are failing mothers and pregnant workers, according to a new report from the Australian Human Rights Commission released on October 19, 2026, which identified 18 areas needing reform.

By PrimaryBrief newsroom · Published 2026-10-21T07:20:21.179409Z
Canonical: https://primarybrief.com/article/australian-laws-fail-pregnant-workers-and-mothers-commission-finds-615be4b0

The Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) released its "Balancing Act" report on October 19, 2026, concluding that Australia's sex discrimination laws are failing mothers and pregnant workers [6]. The report identified 18 areas for reform to address widespread workplace discrimination [7][8].

This finding matters because discrimination related to pregnancy and caring responsibilities is a significant barrier to gender equality and participation in Australian workplaces [8]. Such discrimination negatively impacts individuals' financial independence, career progression, mental health, and family well-being [8].

## What the records show
The "Balancing Act" report, published by the Australian Human Rights Commission, reveals that discrimination related to pregnancy, breastfeeding, and family responsibilities remains a "significant and widespread workplace issue" in Australia [8]. Australian Sex Discrimination Commissioner Dr. Anna Cody emphasized that workplaces continue to "penalise" pregnant women and mothers, advocating for a comprehensive overhaul of existing laws [3][8]. The report highlights a "significant gap between workers' rights and their everyday experiences" [7][8].

Among the 18 areas for reform, the report proposes strengthening legal protections and expanding flexible work arrangements [7][8]. One specific recommendation is the elimination of the 12-month service requirement for unpaid parental leave [7]. The report notes that discrimination frequently occurs when workers disclose a pregnancy, take or return from parental leave, breastfeed, express milk, request flexible work, or manage caring responsibilities [7][8]. Examples of this discrimination include "sham" redundancies, performance management, diminished duties, and the withdrawal of career development opportunities [7][11]. Dr. Cody stated that "women bear the brunt of this harm, but men in caring roles also experience discrimination" [5]. She also commented that "it's the woman who has the burden of bringing a complaint" in parental discrimination cases [5][10]. The report also stresses that the harm is often compounded for vulnerable groups, such as immigrant and First Nations women, people with disability, and LGBTQ+ individuals [8][11]. These groups are often overrepresented in insecure work and may fear disclosing pregnancy or requesting flexibility [8][11].

## Timeline
In 2013, the Australian Government requested the Sex Discrimination Commissioner, on behalf of the AHRC, to undertake a National Review into discrimination related to pregnancy, parental leave, and return to work after parental leave [12]. This review, titled "Supporting Working Parents," provided benchmark data on the prevalence and consequences of such discrimination [12]. The 2014 study found that nearly half, 49%, of mothers reported experiencing discrimination during pregnancy, parental leave, or upon returning to work [8][9]. However, three-quarters of these women, 75%, did not report the discrimination to their employers [9]. On October 19, 2026, the AHRC released its new report, "Balancing Act," building on the findings of the 2014 review [6][8].

## What changed and for whom
The 2026 report indicates that little has changed regarding workplace discrimination against mothers and pregnant workers since the 2014 AHRC study [8]. Discrimination remains a major barrier to workplace participation and gender equality [8]. Dr. Cody underlined the need for urgent law reform to the Sex Discrimination Act, stating that the current legislation has "not kept pace with a changing society" [5][11]. The consequences for individuals can be profound, impacting their financial independence, career trajectory, mental health, and family welfare [8].

## What the subject has said publicly
Dr. Anna Cody, the Australian Sex Discrimination Commissioner, asserted that "everyone has the right to be supported at work as they care for their family" and that "no one should be forced to choose between earning a living and caring for children and family members who need them" [8]. She also noted that women often delay disclosing pregnancies due to fear of losing their jobs and frequently experience performance management or redundancy after such disclosures, particularly in insecure employment [5][11].

## What we could not confirm
We could not confirm the specific timeline for the proposed 18 areas of reform to be implemented or debated by the Australian parliament. We also could not confirm what immediate actions the Australian government plans to take in response to the "Balancing Act" report's findings.

## Evidence cited
1. Sex discrimination laws are failing mothers, commissioner says. (Rssfeed.media) — https://vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com/grounding-api-redirect/AUZIYQE8-764B2vgevQ2xe1g3cGFTstQthRDzTFsRHQwcn-d1zEdSY-K8Bp_jR7WwxfWUEMJ7OqNDAxA44xIeBNs-4bpvpDNs4FSNMSImKBctYWIGcGJkrNTvwx7jGpzRzIYPLMOt3fUfJjZXgCZi1r
2. Sex discrimination laws are failing mothers, commissioner says. (Citynews.com.au) — https://vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com/grounding-api-redirect/AUZIYQGDwM1nVQWrJZ4gjAEqBYBBPvu-8opxtqf-Df5eFIqhVUyz1lRmqaujiN1SoPm10fbOlNQz3nfGOHO6dnA0SbqO_DTUiQi_h06sfjLVh4M4mTYd8AgSCIM-LeupzwFjHNWlUYtqPGLeaBHZ0GIWaYqjtJa4nsd786cKoPpVID3vJrYp-MA6sKCwmkTv9eG
3. Australia’s sex discrimination laws must be overhauled to stop workplaces "penalising" pregnant women and mothers, a new report urges. (Cedarnews.net) — https://vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com/grounding-api-redirect/AUZIYQH8N_ojBHqEIk04Viupspj6EzwK8L1Xk1JGful7G4yo6_lSIryshxP0S7uvML4ziFnC5272hBVFBfO6InjEixompcAQanpgm2P1NOrAI13eo17HmgwXIkWhms1eFdfkR3P5KrVq3CLwKfiIjtj2NCbu5rlUlhTqgXoq9ux8Afn46hsiE6ZYtGuQZnX-9ne4BbIv_0chY3WPFP258xV
4. Parents and carers still facing widespread workplace discrimination. (Humanrights.gov.au) — https://vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com/grounding-api-redirect/AUZIYQHBU1zzesNnRpXu_hJ3GHmEAGi8aNh5f559sZCLSsnWvydUl5rZcTE-x69In8_YYC68LdEu076XVGRxiPwpz49G9fSqX_2iaOI74CNZigZnLR3jjYdlI87KWoT1_ikgqaPbYN1VEE4iz0pURe-sZZVm3V62aONgYv-16H4AX1y1-q6zIIDJFaQOo67UuPO5cIrN9Op95k7bBfSOfjk_U5cKXJTpuYXzDBjm2sKGpZvwux74b-NTKs9Wlbxk3Zu-a9VoSyZt7EXSRwwurM_iaiFa_RmS5Bk=
5. Sex discrimination commissioner says too often 'it's the woman who has the burden of bringing a complaint' in parental discrimination cases. (Theguardian.com) — https://vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com/grounding-api-redirect/AUZIYQFSxlJjEyFUpjabTpeUIHM559Lh5auqlrNg8Ugaf7T-xO4hVomm3wTUP3XnVr6fX5EASGXyAa0QdDEU-ujjKP6Xl3KWNFDFajat0xd9rbJtoLWAoUE-JW9tYMaHyzIC5oxyi5tdTXSecMrM_UdLQQWk6Zah7RCF7bu9RE_NmKkWbKL95eHkCjDH7RIdymxmAU4XU6B0EaWlUKu0vxrsuZE7i3topUnxrOTKSwjYXATcmHbdm4HJvPZXxugHNTGnjbH-3mLOBlnF7SSbX65P75ZMpWq9NRLFSn3iXyFZ60r
6. Media Release. Monday, 19 October 2026. Parents and carers still facing widespread workplace discrimination. (Amazonaws.com) — https://vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com/grounding-api-redirect/AUZIYQEA6i--fxIuaW0y8Fx3me6M62rTCy-Rs6EZI2VKw--4wpSoIV-LIKdJJDyKYru7tdOGsF_rJo32A6DIIk8_OPE_VYjqKDcQu3_BBIvWIRTEMWx92MOFi9zk13Yi14F51t45DOgWHy0IGY5C9U6h4HhaJU2mjEM6OcrYDzB2S6Gg0gzSdwh6TeC1PwUTk7P59_bADYgMOS58JyB3xvqbWgnlMSTMgvBvMLVWAVbhY0B_Z0To8P5tyY0_ljXYyJkdIY1CgF-AkkwgE7GurKryw16se_Z6zYxZk66afddTJcLM
7. The Balancing Act report found a major gap between the legal rights of workers and what they actually experience in real life. It found discrimination often occurs when workers disclose a pregnancy, take or return from parental leave, breastfeed or express milk, request flexible work or manage caring responsibilities. “Sham” redundancies (where an employer claims a role is no longer needed to hide their discrimination), performance management, diminished duties and withdrawal of career developme (womensagenda.com.au) — https://vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com/grounding-api-redirect/AUZIYQEBQ53JXtSe9U4KaCc2PMbPW11fhwkBpGNarMB1SMT7J2kBe_y7EwE5H05_3Y8AFk1qLOSI4lYnSan-xIYc3TplVfw0uWkLi_BihzLK0CWGe7tIIhLBURGn1IDAMAPBcnUmpc7FSuPa08qsz92MG5l-8mYVVsLDQ_XeQ82D8NQ5U50fcYpdhom-SgmI-TIWxtg40lL0fBLHlmDOSB9LxUSlol3JG4H19DXLeols5-bL_Q==
8. Parents and carers still facing widespread workplace discrimination. (humanrights.gov.au) — https://vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com/grounding-api-redirect/AUZIYQFe1ZEB-0-Tnn-ORq_6yb4eyfgcVUMocGwOjKmIYngPo6hxv_d_vbG3DqF43wuSM8VlsZIHHf_KcWTj1CUt4q73WdPZPk8O1Ghvg0cQ18WvwfV3HxpxJxEG7tdb9M_MgUHu8ArDpAf-2CwJ0YS55DN_ppbP8YRyNC8jf3_NF7NK166V7Sx0OmPtYXf2oULN5AyW5UI7yIr1abLtpodhRMKzqca0h1syk9bIOFjCYRwrGqNhQxLuEvrxaK3qKyNxZZYmibkbAyMGhCkrit7IkbUCJFItUA==
9. One in two mothers have experienced discrimination at work either during pregnancy, parental leave or once returned to work, a survey has revealed. The study by the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) also found that 75% of the women do not report it to their employers. (theguardian.com) — https://vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com/grounding-api-redirect/AUZIYQGcwmPdeEhEWFhBAYBuVcvtBdppx2c1rddxktnPbWxQCInq6nMUDLumPxi3B9-LItC6M4uhMAxzbJTBdD9mjMdVetpn90sF_Th04QcV8PbwhFuvM8PEVmd5Qut5GhKvC9M5jn_pBgdyrxJs6ZVgxn8VjnuFcjsUnWz-s8kebCZ-NgKXoElfnh3Jkh_lqxVmKOg==
10. Sex discrimination commissioner says too often 'it's the woman who has the burden of bringing a complaint' in parental discrimination cases. (Theguardian.com) — https://vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com/grounding-api-redirect/AUZIYQFsxlJjEyFUpjabTpeUIHM559Lh5auqlrNg8Ugaf7T-xO4hVomm3wTUP3XnVr6fX5EASGXjAa0QdDEU-ujjKP6Xl3KWNFDFajat0xd9rbJtoLWAoUE-JW9tYMaHyzIC0oxyi5tdTXSecMrM_UdLQQWk6Zah7RCF7bu9RE_NmKkWbKL95eHkCjDH7RIdymxmAU4XU6B0EaWlUKu0vxrsuZE7i3topUnxrOTKSwjYXATcmHbdm4HJvPZXxugHNTGnjbH-3mLOBlnF7SSbX65P75ZMpWq9NRLFSn3iXyFZ60r
11. Sex discrimination commissioner says too often 'it's the woman who has the burden of bringing a complaint' in parental discrimination cases. (theguardian.com) — https://vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com/grounding-api-redirect/AUZIYQHQyop2TlqmAI3DDFXWbO_Ua92f6Xn8GHlnH-y2QvIaaWIOH6ppF5YTCQxpHQAFTCYgbr4IC6RBSwrl8wSZGKJ_BRcnsGEmI8MmbSH2MtKIbne_8hVw8FN4io_dOEYMCxdJKMDfAcC5zLzNiMC1wkffWQnoIo8eMwQwJ7kO2gHKPBnJKQXYTDP__3-sxOrbo2_0E94-ZrIbSG80mt2X45YfKXlO_8qynym8haZYaaVRRrjxa3-LLy1c1_Z4rq1h2Ns-p2Lv-f31JzsVGZ8b2dJcDfcnMO44Uful0JARS4=
12. Summary. In 2013, the Australian Government asked the Sex Discrimination Commissioner, on behalf of the Australian Human Rights Commission, to undertake a National Review into discrimination related to pregnancy, parental leave and return to work after parental leave. The aims of the National Review, entitled Supporting Working Parents: Pregnancy and Return to Work National Review have been to: In 2013, the Australian Government asked the Sex Discrimination Commissioner, on behalf of the Austral (humanrights.gov.au) — https://vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com/grounding-api-redirect/AUZIYQEBFLUd563eIae6C6Ken4rUpDYC1g0Bw1rnP9kToMIE__uhI7pmkq7MPg4UnodbC-Cwo-wMpswDCEDs6oHEy3o0Lq18sKdzgaijcRv8O1Pgo_IIyZHrvb-DCqTv_fcG0uFt-N3pVhADlX-mWKA2klvsdSOXQTXzOo48aOMfx7M2xmdyGO8XTSElXKgNrV15EnShj8ofU3tkpueRMrYH2wwptuElIzyBRvOAWzjMH_X8Nr_LdCALvA==
13. Media Release. Monday, 19 October 2026. Parents and carers still facing widespread workplace discrimination. (Amazonaws.com) — https://vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com/grounding-api-redirect/AUZIYQEA6i--fxIuaW0y8Fx3me6M62rTCy-Rs6EZI2VKw--4wpSoIV-LIKdJJDyKYru7tdOGsF_rJo32A6DIIk8_OPE_VYjqKDcQu3_BBIvWIRTEMWx92MOFi1zk13Yi14F51t45DOgWHy0IGY5C9U6h4HhaJU2mjEM6OcrYDzB2S6Gg0gzSdwh6TeC1PwUTk7P59_bADYgMOS58JyB3xvqbWgnlMSTMgvBvMLVWAVbhY0B_Z0To8P3tyY0_ljXYyJkdIY1CgF-AkkwgE7GurKryw16se_Z6zYxZk66afddTJcLM
14. Australia’s sex discrimination laws must be overhauled to stop workplaces "penalising" pregnant women and mothers, a new report urges. (Cedarnews.net) — https://vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com/grounding-api-redirect/AUZIYQH8N_ojBHqEIk04Viupspj6EzwK8L1Xk1JGful7G4yo6_lSIryshxP0S7uvML4ziFnC5272hBVFBfO6InjEixompcAQanpgm2P1NOrAI13eo17HmgwXIkWhms1eFdfkR3P5KrVq3CLwKfiIjtj2NCbu3rlUlhTqgXoq9ux8Afn46hsiE6ZYtGuQZnX-9ne4BbIv_0chY3WPFP258xV
15. Parents and carers still facing widespread workplace discrimination (humanrights.gov.au) — https://humanrights.gov.au/about/news/media-releases/parents-and-carers-still-facing-widespread-workplace-discrimination
16. The Balancing Act report finds a major gap between the legal rights of workers and what they actually experience in real life. (womensagenda.com.au) — https://womensagenda.com.au/latest/the-balancing-act-report-finds-a-major-gap-between-the-legal-rights-of-workers-and-what-they-actually-experience-in-real-life/
17. Balancing act: supporting working parents and carers (apo.org.au) — https://apo.org.au/node/323386
18. Parents and Carers Still Face Widespread Workplace Discrimination (miragenews.com) — https://www.miragenews.com/parents-and-carers-still-face-widespread-workplace-1107567/
19. Sex discrimination commissioner calls for urgent law reform to protect parents (globalnewsflix.com) — https://globalnewsflix.com/sex-discrimination-commissioner-calls-for-urgent-law-reform-to-protect-parents/
20. Sex discrimination commissioner says too often 'it's the woman who has the burden of bringing a complaint' in parental discrimination cases. (turkwallnews.com) — https://turkwallnews.com/sex-discrimination-commissioner-says-too-often-its-the-woman-who-has-the-burden-of-bringing-a-complaint-in-parental-discrimination-cases/