Independent MP Dai Le has become a champion for culturally and linguistically diverse communities (CALD) in Australia. Just this month she proposed amendments to the Anti-Discrimination and Human Rights Legislation Amendment (Respect at Work) Bill 2022 to:
(1) Schedule 2, item 16, page 11 (after line 4), at the end of Division 4A, add:
35AA Performance of functions relating to positive duty in relation to sex discrimination
In performing its functions under section 35A, the Commission must have regard to:
(a) the need for guidelines and other materials to be available in multiple languages; and
(b) the cultural diversity of Australian workplaces.
Essentially it will ensure on both sides of the spectrum ( employers and employees) who own or work in businesses owned by CALD communities in Australia have better access and understanding of the reporting mechanisms and rules under the ACT due to he guidelines and reporting mechanisms available in multiple languages and not just English.
It is a fact that in Australia CALD communities do not engage regularly in reporting instances of workplace issues, acts of violence and discrimination due to the lack of materials translated and contextualised for the community – so let’s hope that this will be the start and help the communities more.
Images via Dai Le MP Facebook