The full scope of the Act is covered principally by Section 3B, which seeks "to eliminate, so far as is possible, discrimination against persons on the ground of sex, marital status, pregnancy or potential pregnancy in the areas of work, accommodation, education, the provision of goods, facilities and services, the disposal of land, the activities of clubs and the administration of Commonwealth laws and programs". This may include provision of public services, dismissal of employees with family responsibilities and to eliminate sexual harassment in areas of public activity. However, it equally applies to sex based discrimination on topics such as domestic violence, where there is no justification for sex differentiation for victims of violence. The Act also seeks to create recognition and acceptance within the community of the principle of the equality of men and women. Section 7AA of the Act prohibits discrimination against a woman on account of her breastfeeding. Section 38 of the Act permits educational institutions established for religious purposes to discriminate, including against teachers and students, due to their sexuality or gender. Section 43 of the Act provided the
Australian Defence Force (ADF) with an exemption to allow discrimination against
women "in connection with employment, engagement or appointment" involving combat duties that required a person "to commit, or to participate directly in the commission of, an act of violence against an adversary in time of war". On 1 January 2014, the ADF lifted restrictions on women serving in all combat roles, including the special forces, and on 1 January 2016 direct entry to all combat roles became open to women. On 26 October 2018, the
Civil Law and Justice Legislation Amendment Act 2018 repealed section 43 of the Act. ==Outcomes==