Report urges stronger protections for pregnant workers and mothers

Summary

A new Australian Human Rights Commission report says women face workplace hostility, lost shifts and sham redundancies after pregnancy or having a baby, and urges an overhaul of sex discrimination laws. The report says discrimination may be more prominent for immigrant and First Nations women, people with disability and LGBTQ+ people. The sex discrimination commissioner says women too often bear the burden of bringing complaints.

Timeline

1. ABC

   19 Oct 2026, 05:35 UTCSource ↗

   ABC reports that a commissioner says Australia’s sex discrimination laws need an overhaul to stop workplaces penalising pregnant women and mothers.

2. The Guardian

   19 Oct 2026, 09:30 UTCSource ↗

   The Guardian reports that an Australian Human Rights Commission report found women face hostile workplaces, lost shifts and sham redundancies after having a baby, with discrimination particularly prominent for several vulnerable groups.