Your rights at work
All employees—including people with a disability or mental illness—have the right to be treated fairly at work, and respected for their contribution to the workplace.
Discrimination
It is against the law to discriminate against people with a disability.
The Australian Human Rights Commission provides information about disability rights, and explains what types of behaviours and actions can be considered disability discrimination.
Review of legislation
The Australian Government is currently reviewing federal discrimination law, including the Disability Discrimination Act 1992, with the aim of consolidating existing Commonwealth anti-discrimination law into a single Act. More information about this review is available on the Attorney-General's Department website. You can also contact the Attorney-General's Department on (02) 6141 6666 or email humanrights@ag.gov.au for more information.
Making a complaint about discrimination at work
The Australian Human Rights Commission investigates and resolves complaints about discrimination at work. It can help you if you have been:
- refused a job
- dismissed from a job
- refused a promotion, transfer or other benefit associated with employment
- given unfair terms or conditions of employment
- refused training opportunities
- refused flexible work arrangements
- harassed or bullied
and you believe this has happened because of your disability, sex, age, sexual preference, religion, criminal record, trade union activity or political opinion.
Contact the Australian Human Rights Commission's Complaints Infoline if you want to make a complaint:
Phone: 1300 656 419 (local call) or (02) 9284 9888Email: complaintsinfo@humanrights.gov.au
TTY: 1800 620 241 (toll free)
Fax: (02) 9284 9611
Free Telephone Interpreter Service: 13 14 50.
Who can I contact to find out more about my rights at work?
The Fair Work Ombudsman provides information for workers about:
- wages
- working conditions
- awards
- trading hours
- holiday entitlements
- the obligations of your employer.
You can phone the Fair Work on 13 13 94 for advice about your rights at work.