ANTI-DISCRIMINATION STAFF STRIKE AGAINST CUTS

Staff employed at the NSW Anti-Discrimination Board (ADB) are to strike on Friday afternoon, 1 August.

They will rally outside the NSW Premier's Reception Room at Governor Macquarie Tower in Sydney, where the President of the Administrative Decisions Tribunal has invited guests to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Tribunal.

TheADB staff are members of the Public Service Association (PSA).

The Administrative Decisions Tribunal is the court where discrimination cases are settled if they can't be resolved out of court.

The NSW Government earlier this month announced massive funding cuts to the ADB. This year's budget has been reduced by $750,000. This is a cut of 23%, and a further 30% cut is expected next year.

This will have a serious effect on the ADB's ability to administer anti-discrimination legislation in NSW.

PSA Industrial Officer Stephen Spencer, said: "Is it a birthday or is it a funeral?"

"These cuts are a direct attack on the Anti-Discrimination Board. They are an unconscionable attack on the ADB's ability to promote human rights issues."

"New South Wales was the pioneer in anti-discrimination legislation when it was introduced twenty-five years ago. The PSA calls upon the Carr Government to maintain that tradition. The arms of the ADB should be strengthened, not emasculated."