1. Introduction

ANU understands the importance of assisting students and staff with family responsibilities to achieve equality of education and employment opportunity and outcome. The University realises that family responsibilities are employment and educational matters concerning the University community as a whole and are not limited to the private realms.

ACT legislation makes it unlawful to discriminate in education and employment, directly or indirectly, against a person on the grounds of their carer and parent status. The Sex Discrimination Act 1984 (Cth) also prohibits dismissal on the grounds of family responsibilities.

2. Policy

The ANU recognises that its staff and students can have responsibilities and commitments extending beyond their work and study.  The University is aware that these responsibilities and commitments can have a significant impact on employment and educational opportunities. The University is committed to providing policies, practices and services to assist staff and students combine these responsibilities and commitments within their work and study environments.

Family responsibilities are diverse and the University endorses a definition of family responsibilities to be inclusive of a wide range of relationships and structures which may include one or more of the following: blood, marriage, same sex and de facto relationships, adoption and dependency. It can include elder care, caring for people with disabilities, children, partners as well as responsibilities associated with their extended families.

3. Considerations

The following considerations occur in accord with equity, employment and educational policies. 

3.1 University

The University considers the needs of staff and students with family responsibilities when:

a.       Reviewing timetabling of lecture attendance, which includes school holiday times;

b.       Developing and reviewing new accommodation or remodelling accommodation on campus for staff and students who have children;

c.       Developing and reviewing academic administrative policies and procedures for students;

d.       Developing and reviewing employment policies and procedures including enterprise agreements and flexible work practices; and

e.       Reviewing resources which support staff and students with family responsibilities such as child care availability and parenting rooms.

3.2 Students

Academic staff consider the needs of students with family responsibilities when organising:

a.       consultation times with staff;

b.       scheduled meetings;

c.       work loads and types of assessment;

d.       class and examination timetables;

e.       access to lecture notes which may include access to taping of lectures or providing class notes; 

f.        flexible learning technology including on-line learning; and

g.       class attendance requirements and processes for consideration of family responsibilities.

3.3 Staff

Supervisors consider the needs of staff with family responsibilities when:

a.       advertising for and selecting staff;

b.       reviewing jobs design;

c.       organising meeting schedules;

d.       providing staff development programs;

e.       offering higher duties opportunities; and

f.        staff request flexible work practices including leave,  flexi-time, part-time work, working from home and telecommuting. 

4. Grievances/complaints

Since the discrimination legislation includes family responsibilities, parent and carer status, the ANU Student Complaints procedures or the ANU Staff Grievance procedures can apply.