Media release — 16 April 2009

Breastfeeding is 'common sense' in Queensland

Anti-Discrimination Commission Queensland Commissioner, Susan Booth, spoke out today in support of Australian women breastfeeding their children in public places, adding that Queensland anti-discrimination legislation protected their rights.

Breastfeeding is covered under section 7 of the Queensland Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 (the Act) which protects mothers who breastfeed from discrimination in the areas of work, education, goods and services and accommodation.

Ms Booth contrasted Queensland's comprehensive laws to the comments made by Western Australian Premier, Colin Barnett who has ruled out introducing breastfeeding laws, saying women and business owners needed to find some 'common sense' on the issue after a breastfeeding mother was told to leave a restaurant in Perth to feed her baby.

"The Commission believes that Queensland's strong anti-discrimination legislation reflects the community's expectations about the rights of all Queenslanders, including mothers and their babies, to live in a fair and equitable society where diversity and individual rights are valued." Commissioner Booth said.

All other states and territories, apart from Western Australia have legislated to protect a woman's right to breastfeed, with South Australia in the process of making the change.

Under the Act, some of the other grounds on which a person can not be discriminated against include sex, age, race, pregnancy, religion, sexuality, impairment and family responsibility.

Media contact: MaryBeth Gundrum on 07 3247 0920 | 0439 676 364 | TTY 1300 130 680
Interviews: Commissioner Susan Booth - arranged by press officer

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