A group of women researchers at Charles Sturt University (CSU) has warned against any amendments to the Sex Discrimination Act, labelling proposed changes as an issue which should trouble fair minded Australians.

The “Women, Gender and Social Policy” Community of Scholars at CSU believes the amendments to the Act spell trouble. While maintaining that the issue of gender profile amongst teachers is a vexed issue, “providing targeted scholarships for men into teaching is not the answer,” said head of the Community of Scholars, Professor Margaret Alston.

“Many rural schools have difficulty recruiting teachers into schools whether they are male or female. We feel that the Federal Government would do well to focus attention on attracting teachers to rural areas,” said Professor Alston.

The “Women, Gender and Social Policy” Community of Scholars is a group of CSU researchers focussing on issues including access and equity, sustainability, social and economic participation.