Kate Lundy (ACT, Australian Labor Party, Minister Assisting for Industry and Innovation) Share this | Hansard source

I thank the senator for the supplementary question. Consolidating Commonwealth anti-discrimination laws into a single act will make it easier for business to find out what their obligations are and how they should comply with them. The consolidated act includes measures designed to provide certainty and assist business to understand their obligations. Certainty will be increased by the creation of a co-regulatory environment through which the commission can certify codes or other relevant standards developed by industries or businesses. If a business complies with their certified codes or standards they will have a complete defence against a complaint of discrimination. The commission will provide greater support and guidance to business in complying with the consolidated law by offering its expertise to review or audit business policy and practices. This is terrific support, and it is support that was not available previously.