Date: Fri, 9 Dec 1994 23:24:50 +1000 (EET) From: Shane Ostenfeld Subject: Workplace carers leave A recent search through the ADAM enterprise agreements database discloses few registered enterprise agreements in Australia which incorporate clauses precluding discrimination on the basis of sexuality. This is of concern as the Australian Industrial Relations Commission in its recent decision re the Family Leave Test Case said that these agreements should be the major means of achieving family or carers leave entitlements. Two enterprise agreements have come to attention. The Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology Students Representative Council has agreed with the Federated Clerks Union of Australia that (clause 20) "In the absence of effective anti-discrimination laws, this clause provides that: lesbian, gay, transvestite, transexual(sic) or bi-sexual sexuality is not a basis for refusal of any of the entitlements provided in this agreement" Note, there is an absence of effective anti-discrimination legislation in the state of Victoria. The Crown Casino Limited (melbourne casino complex) Employees Agreement 1994 has a family leave clause which states "Crown Casino Limited will grant paid leave where employees are unable to attend to work because of family emergencies. Such emergencies will include the illness of a child, spouse or partner, same-sex partner, elderly parent ..."