IKEA Australia responds to the latest draft of the Religious Discrimination Bill

In January 2020 we made a submission to the federal government as part of the consultation process on the Religious Freedom Bill (now Religious Discrimination Bill). This submission included a statement confirming that while we believe there is merit in protecting the rights of Australians of any faith, laws should not restrict other human rights and override existing anti-discrimination laws.

We stand by this belief and are concerned the latest draft of the Religious Discrimination Bill contains provisions that may allow people to be lawfully discriminated against.  At IKEA Australia we welcome people of all faiths and beliefs and encourage diversity of all backgrounds and identities.

We provide a safe space for our co-workers, free from harassment or abuse both from other co-workers and customers. We expect our co-workers to respect human rights and to commit to making these rights a part of everything we do.

If we are to continue to deliver on this commitment, the final Religious Discrimination Bill should ensure businesses are not put in potential conflict with equality and diversity policies or practices in which discrimination of any kind is not tolerated. We must see the final Discrimination Bill deliver protection for all Australians regardless of culture, creed or identity.

Elin Åhlund, People & Culture Manager, IKEA Australia