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Unit of study_
LAWS6039: Discrimination in the Workplace
2025 unit information
In this unit we examine the nature of discrimination in the workplace and the legal response to it in Australia. We start by considering the theoretical perspectives on equality that underpin our legislation and ideas about effective regulation. We then examine how anti-discrimination law is applied in respect of a number of different grounds of discrimination - such as sex, race, disability, and family responsibilities - reviewing recent cases and current issues. We will also discuss enforcement mechanisms and processes under anti-discrimination legislation and what, if any, effect the legislation has had on workplace processes and culture. While NSW law will be considered, the focus will be on federal legislation, looking at anti-discrimination laws, anti-discrimination provisions in the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth), and the Workplace Gender Equality Act 2012 (Cth). Refer to the Sydney Law School timetable - https://canvas.sydney.edu.au/courses/4533/pages/postgraduate-lecture-timetable
Unit details and rules
Managing faculty or University school:
Sydney Law School
| Study level | Postgraduate |
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| Academic unit | Law |
| Credit points | 6 |
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Prerequisites:
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None |
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Corequisites:
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None |
| Prohibitions:
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None |
| Assumed knowledge:
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MLLR students may enrol in this unit before completing LAWS6071 Labour Law, but must have either completed or be concurrently enrolled in LAWS6252 Legal Reasoning and the Common Law System |
At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:
- LO1. identify different types of discrimination in the workplace, including direct, indirect and harassment, in respect of different attributes such as race, sex and disability.
- LO2. accurately describe and apply three different types of law that apply to discrimination in the workplace: anti-discrimination laws, the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) and the Workplace Gender Equality Act 2012 (Cth).
- LO3. understand the process for resolving discrimination claims, the possible outcomes and limitations.
- LO4. accurately describe and critically evaluate the regulatory approaches underpinning the three different types of law designed to address discrimination in the workplace.
- LO5. effectively communicate orally and in writing
Unit availability
This section lists the session, attendance modes and locations the unit is available in. There is a unit outline for each of the unit availabilities, which gives you information about the unit including assessment details and a schedule of weekly activities.
The outline is published 2 weeks before the first day of teaching. You can look at previous outlines for a guide to the details of a unit.
There are no availabilities for this year.
| Session | MoA ? | Location | Outline ? |
|---|---|---|---|
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Semester 1b 2025
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Block mode | Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney |
Outline unavailable
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Modes of attendance (MoA)
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