The Federal Government has agreed to toughen protection for women who want to breastfeed in the workplace in its response to a Senate inquiry into the Act.

Under the changes, breastfeeding will be specifically listed as grounds for discrimination, rather than the implied protection under the Act at present.

Other recommended changes the Government has accepted include a prohibition on discrimination on the grounds of family responsibilities, a more stringent test on possible harassment cases and stronger protections for students.

Australian Breastfeeding Association spokeswoman Carey Wood said the changes would have a big effect on mothers returning to the workforce.

''This reinforces the message that breastfeeding is important,'' she said.

Australia has one of the highest rates of breastfeeding in the world at more than 90 per cent for the first three months, but that rate falls to 60 per cent after three months and 40 per cent after six months which could change under the new discrimination laws, Ms Wood said.

Greens women's spokeswoman Sarah Hanson-Young welcomed the changes, but said the Government should commit to making the changes before the next election.