Media release — 20 December 2006

ANTI-DISCRIMINATION COMMISSIONER CHALLENGES GOVERNMENT TO CLOSE 'MEN ONLY' CLUB LOOP-HOLE

Queensland’s Anti-Discrimination Commissioner Susan Booth today called on the State Government to remove the legal loop-hole that allows not-for-profit clubs to discriminate against women.

'Brisbane Tattersall’s Club vote to continue its 141 year old ban excluding women from membership has made it clear that things are not going to change if the decision is left to the clubs all-male membership,' Ms Booth said.

'The Queensland Government must step up to the challenge and get rid of the current exemption that allows not-for-profit clubs to discriminate on who can or cannot be a member.'

Ms Booth said the time had come for men’s clubs to move into the 21st century and accept the fact that they are important business clubs and women are important members of our professional and business community.

'Now, more than ever, it is important that business clubs have a non-discriminatory membership policy,' she said.

Ms Booth commended Premier Peter Beattie, himself a member of Tattersall’s, and Club President Peter Carroll on their public support of the 'yes' vote to allow women members.

But said it was now up to the Government to amend the definition of 'club' in the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 to include not-for-profit clubs and so remove the existing loop-hole.

For further comment contact Susan Booth
telephone: 07) 3247 0901 or TTY 1300 130 680