W(h)ither Affirmative Action Legislation in Australia?

Abstract

During the 1980s Australia introduced legislation designed to redress systemic discrimination against women in the workplace. This article examines the information contained in the reports to the Affirmative Action Agency and what can be deduced about the performance of organisations. The changes to the legislation which have proceded from a review of the Act in 1998 are discussed and it is concluded that these changes will make it impossible to undertake monitoring of the actions of organisations. while there ae fundamental weaknesses with the design and implementation of AA legislation in Australia, the suggested amendments to the legislation weaken the legislation while leaving the legislative gaps in place.