The Queensland Government has released their final response to the 'Building Belonging' reported tabled last September, the details of which were provided in our earlier Briefing.
The Government will support in-principle all 122 recommendations of the QHRC. It goes on to indicate they willl introduce a Bill to repeal and replace the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 within the current term of government.
Acknowledging that the proposals represent 'significant law reform for the state', the Government has committed to continue to consult with stakeholders and the community as they work to implement these recommendations.
Interestingly, the Government response 'notes the findings of the Building Belonging report that many of the current exceptions that relate to religious bodies under the AD Act are complicated and difficult to apply' but does not acknowledge that the proposed changes to the existing genuine occupational requirements test create more complication and difficulties in application.
The response also 'noted that the Australian Government is currently reviewing Federal anti-discrimination legislation, in particular relating to religious educational institutions. The Queensland Government will aim to align reforms with those progressed by the Australian Government to achieve legislative alignment across jurisdictions, noting the QHRC’s comments about the benefits of consistency'.
As indicated in our Media Release following the publication of the Government's Response, much more work needs to be done to ensure a balanced approach is created.