Return to normal view

Discrimination

Treating someone less favourably than others because of a personal quality such as their race, age, religion, gender, carer or parental status, disability, or political or other beliefs, is considered discrimination.

Direct and indirect

Discrimination can be direct, such as a couple being refused a rental property because they have children.

Discrimination can also be indirect, such as if a partially blind person is asked for a driver’s licence as proof of identity to make a purchase. This is unfair because they simply cannot comply with the proof of identity condition.

Discrimination, whether direct or indirect, may be against the law.

Against the law

In Australia, both federal and state laws cover a number of anti-discrimination and equal opportunity areas.

The Equal Opportunity Commission website outlines the types of discrimination and harassment that are unlawful under Victoria’s Equal Opportunity Act (first brought into law in 1977) and the circumstances under which these are outlawed. These include renting accommodation, in education, in employment terms and conditions, in retail and public venues, sporting and other clubs.

Complaints

The Equal Opportunity Commission website provides tips on handling discrimination or harassment yourself, getting advice, or making a complaint. This includes complaints under the Equal Opportunity Act, or about being subjected to sexually related behaviour that you do not want, or vilification because of your religious beliefs (under the Racial and Religious Tolerance Act 2001).

For complaints under federal racial, disability and sex discrimination acts, contact the federal Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission.