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. The report identified 18 areas for reform to address widespread workplace discrimination.

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

What the records show

Among the 18 areas for reform, the report proposes strengthening legal protections and expanding flexible work arrangements. One specific recommendation is the elimination of the 12-month service requirement for unpaid parental leave. 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. Examples of this discrimination include "sham" redundancies, performance management, diminished duties, and the withdrawal of career development opportunities. Dr. Cody stated that "women bear the brunt of this harm, but men in caring roles also experience discrimination". She also commented that "it's the woman who has the burden of bringing a complaint" in parental discrimination cases. 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. These groups are often overrepresented in insecure work and may fear disclosing pregnancy or requesting flexibility.

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What the subject has said publicly

What we could not confirm