Discrimination of the grounds of philosophical beliefs: is it time for a (climate) change in Australia?

This article addresses the issue of belief discrimination laws in Australia. The limits of existing legislative protections in Australia are examined. Only religious and political beliefs are recognised as protected grounds. Philosophical beliefs such as a belief in climate change or humanism are not protected unless it can be argued that they form part of the accepted canons or tenets of 'acceptable' religions or political belief systems. Following some recent clarification and extension of the discriminatory grounds in the UK that recognise a belief in climate change and a belief in Spiritualism, the question is posed as to how such decisions would be decided in Australia. It is concluded by the author that law reform is required by way of a new Freedom of Belief Act. Such legislative amendment would ensure that not only would Australia's laws then comply with its international obligations, they would also appropriately reflect the diversity of different belief systems of Australians in contemporary society.