Breastfeeding in Public
#eatinginpublic
It is against Australian Federal Law to discriminate against women who are breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is recommended globally as the optimal way to feed babies and young children.
Breastfeeding isn't a short-term, controlled activity which mothers should only do in privacy.
Breastfeeding is a two year plus commitment to meet your child's unpredictable needs, while still going about the rest of your life.
We aren't actually going to "stay at home if you want to do that".
“It is against the law to discriminate against women who are breastfeeding. This includes women who need to express milk by hand or using a pump. There are some limited exemptions.
Discrimination happens when a woman is treated less favourably because she is breastfeeding or needs to breastfeed over a period of time. It is also discrimination when there is an unreasonable requirement or practice that is the same for everyone but disadvantages women who are breastfeeding.”
ADDITIONALLY, breastfeeding is protected under State and Territory Law
Australian Capital Territory
Breastfeeding is a protected attribute. Discrimination on the basis of breastfeeding is illegal in the areas of: provision of goods and services, accommodation, financial services, employment, sport, education, access to premises, access to membership in a trade or professional organisation, membership of or services in a licensed club, business partnerships, requests for information and unlawful advertising.
Queensland
Breastfeeding is a protected attribute. Discrimination on the basis of breastfeeding is explicitly illegal in all areas of public life.
Northern Territory
Breastfeeding is a protected attribute. Discrimination or harassment on the basis of breastfeeding is illegal in the areas of education, work, accommodation, goods, services and facilities, clubs, insurance and superannuation. For protected attributes it is also illegal to fail to make reasonable accommodation for a person's special needs.
New South Wales
Discrimination and harassment on the grounds of sex is illegal in the contexts of: opportunities in employment, state education, goods and services, accommodation and registered clubs. This includes breastfeeding as a characteristic generally appertaining to women.
Western Australia
Discrimination on the ground of breastfeeding is prohibited in the contexts of: employment, education, access to places and vehicles, provision of goods, services and facilities, accommodation, disposal of land, clubs, application forms, advertisements, insurance (in some instances) and sport (in some instances).
South Australia
It is illegal to discriminate against someone in the areas of accommodation, customer service and education because of their association with a child, which includes breastfeeding.
Victoria
Breastfeeding is a protected attribute. Discrimination on the basis of breastfeeding is illegal in the areas of: accommodation, clubs, education, employment, goods and services, selling and transferring land, and sport.
Tasmania
Breastfeeding is a protected attribute. Discrimination or 'prohibited conduct' is illegal on the basis of breastfeeding in the areas of: education, employment, provision of goods, facilities and services, clubs, state laws and programs, awards and industrial agreements. 'Prohibited conduct' is any conduct that offends, humiliates, intimidates, insults or ridicules a reasonable person on basis of a protected attribute.
Babies eating public isn’t shocking. Mothers do not need to be discreet and should never be told they should cover up. Babies have the right to airflow while feeding - blankets and nursing covers can restrict this and babies can overheat if they are used during hot weather.
Rules posted by businesses or facilities stating breastfeeding is not permitted are in breach of Federal and State laws and do not protect owners or staff from prosecution if discrimination if proven. If babies are legally permitted on premises, they are able to breastfeed as and when they need to.
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