Schoolies left high and dry by P&O
Carnival Australia, which operates P&O Cruises, will continue its ban on so called ‘schoolies’ cruises after the Australian Human Rights Commission allowed a two and a half year exemption from age discrimination legislation.
The exemption, covering ‘unauthorised events’ on its ships, means P&O Cruises can apply the policy without breaching the Commonwealth’s Age Discrimination Act for discrimination on the basis of age.
P&O Cruises said its ‘schoolies’ cruise’ ban is a key element of the company’s approach to maintaining on board safety and security, which includes strict policies on the responsible service of alcohol and zero tolerance of excessive behaviour.
Ann Sherry, CEO of Carnival Australia, said the Australian Human Rights Commission’s determination was a commonsense outcome “that will be welcomed by all cruise passengers wanting to enjoy a relaxed cruise holiday without the risk of being subject to excessive behaviourâ€.
In 2009, the Human Rights Commission rejected P&O Cruises’ application for exemption from the Age Discrimination Act to allow the ban on ‘schoolies’ cruises’.
P&O Cruises referred the Commission’s rejection to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.
The so-called Schoolies Week sees thousands of young people celebrate the end of their school life with sometimes riotous celebrations in places like Queensland’s Gold Coast.
Ian Jarrett
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