3.1 It is the intention of the parties bound by this award to seek to achieve the object in section 3(f) of the Industrial Relations Act 1996 to prevent and eliminate discrimination in the workplace. This includes discrimination on the grounds of race, sex, marital status, disability, homosexuality, transgender identity, age and responsibilities as a carer.

3.2 It follows that, in fulfilling their obligations under the dispute resolution procedure prescribed by this award, the parties have obligations to take all reasonable steps to ensure that the operation of the provisions of this award are not directly or indirectly discriminatory in their effects. It will be consistent with the fulfilment of these obligations for the parties to make application to vary any provision of the award which, by its terms or operation, has a direct or indirect discriminatory effect.

3.3 Under the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977, it is unlawful to victimise an employee because the employee has made or may make or has been involved in a complaint of unlawful discrimination or harassment.

3.4 Nothing in this clause is to be taken to affect:

3.4.1 any conduct or act which is specifically exempted from anti-discrimination legislation;

3.4.2 offering or providing junior rates of pay to persons under 21 years of age;

3.4.3 any act or practice of a body established to propagate religion which is exempted under section 56(d) of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977;

3.4.4 a party to this award from pursuing matters of unlawful discrimination in any State or Federal jurisdiction.

3.5 This clause does not create legal rights or obligations in addition to those imposed upon the parties by the legislation referred to in this clause.

Notes

(a) Employers and employees may also be subject to Commonwealth anti-discrimination legislation.

(b) Section 56(d) of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 provides:

"Nothing in this Act affects ... any other act or practice of a body established to propagate religion that conforms to the doctrines of that religion or is necessary to avoid injury to the religious susceptibilities of the adherents of that religion."