Discrimination and your rights
What is discrimination
Discrimination occurs when a person with a certain characteristic (e.g. their race, sex or sexuality) is treated less favourably than a person without that characteristic in the same or similar circumstances.
Discrimination also occurs when an unreasonable policy or condition which applies across the board impacts more on a person or group because of a certain characteristic (e.g. their race, sex, impairment, or family responsibilities).
Discrimination can be direct (e.g. a practice to not employ women) or indirect (e.g. an unnecessary physical requirement for employees that women would generally have more trouble meeting).
When discrimination is illegal
It is illegal to discriminate against someone in areas of public life, including:
- work
- education
- state government laws and programs
- accommodation
- when supplying goods and services.
It is illegal to discriminate against someone on the basis of characteristics including:
- sex, age, race, gender identity or sexuality
- relationship status
- pregnancy, breastfeeding, family responsibilities or parental status
- impairment
- religious belief or activity
- political belief or activity
- trade union activity
- status as a legal sex worker.
It is also illegal to discriminate against someone on the basis of an association with a person identified by one of these characteristics.
Reporting discrimination
First, try talking to the person involved if you feel comfortable doing so. Sometimes people just need reminding about their behaviour or to be told when they've stepped over the line.
If the behaviour happens at work, speak to your manager, a union representative or someone you trust. Also, find out whether your employer deals with complaints and, if so, how you can lodge one.
You can also contact:
- Queensland Human Rights Commission—for complaints of discrimination, sexual harassment, vilification, victimisation and other contraventions of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991
- Australian Human Rights Commission—for complaints of discrimination, harassment and bullying based on a person’s sex, disability, race or age.
These commissions will tell you whether your matter is appropriate for them to deal with.
Discrimination laws come under both state laws and federal laws, so you can call the Queensland Human Rights Commission on 1300 130 670 to make an enquiry or get legal advice to determine your best options.
Complaints about discrimination must be made within 12 months of the incident.
Other types of objectionable behaviour
Sexual harassment
Sexual harassment is any form of sexual attention that is unwelcome, including:
- unwelcome touching or other physical contact
- remarks with sexual connotations
- requests for sexual favours
- leering
- the display of offensive material.
Anyone can be a victim of sexual harassment. It’s not restricted to the workplace and applies in all situations.
Sexual harassment may be a criminal offence, such as obscene phone calls, indecent exposure or sexual assault.
Vilification
Vilification involves publicly inciting hatred, serious contempt or severe ridicule of someone because of their race, religion, sexuality or gender identity. Vilification is an offence if it includes actual or threatened physical harm to someone or their property.
A public act can include:
- writing letters to the public
- speaking in a public place
- putting up notices
- posts on the internet or social networking sites
- publicly wearing or displaying clothing, signs, emblems or insignias in order to vilify.
Bullying
If you’re bullied due to your age, sex, race, religion or disability, or another characteristic covered by anti-discrimination law, you can make a complaint to the Queensland Human Rights Commission or federal agencies.
If the bullying is not against any anti-discrimination law, it still may be against workplace health and safety laws or workplace or education policy if it is repeated and unreasonable behaviour. Bullying can take place anywhere, including schools and workplaces. You should contact Workplace Health and Safety Queensland on 1300 362 128 or get legal advice.
Resolving your complaint
The process for resolving discrimination, sexual harassment, vilification and victimisation matters focuses on conciliation. At a conciliation conference an independent conciliator will help you, and those you are complaining about, discuss your concerns and try to reach an agreement to resolve the complaint.
If the matter is not resolved through conciliation, under Queensland law it can be referred for a formal hearing in:
- the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission (QIRC)—for work-related complaints
- the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT)—for all other complaints.
These bodies can make a legally binding decision on the matter.
If QIRC or QCAT find that you’ve suffered discrimination, sexual harassment, vilification and victimisation you may receive financial compensation.
Advice for specific groups
Below are links to more information about discrimination for specific groups of people:
- for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
- for employees
- for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex people
- for seniors
- for women
- for people with a criminal record.
More information
- Get to know the discrimination law in Queensland.
- Find out what do if you experience workplace bullying.
- Learn your rights at work.