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What is discrimination?

Everybody wants to feel like they are treated fairly and equally when they are at work, or studying, or finding somewhere to live, or when they are buying goods and accessing services.

When someone, or a group of people, is treated less favourably because of a particular attribute, this is called discrimination, and in many instances, it’s against the law.

An attribute is something like a person’s race, ethnic origin, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation or pregnancy status.

If you have experienced discrimination, you may be entitled to compensation.

The law

There are different state and federal laws that offer protection against discrimination in the workplace, in education, in accommodation, and in the provision of goods and services.

As the law differs from state to state, it is best to call our specialist team who can explain your rights and obligations, and your best options moving forward, depending on your particular situation.

What is an attribute?

Depending on which state you live in, an attribute can include:

  • race
  • colour
  • sex
  • sexual orientation
  • age
  • physical or mental disability or impairment
  • marital status
  • parental status
  • family or carer’s responsibilities
  • pregnancy
  • breastfeeding
  • religion
  • political opinion
  • trade union activity

Where can discrimination happen?

Depending on where you live, discrimination can happen:

  • while you’re at work, or on work experience, or when applying for a job 
  • in education, when you attend schools, universities or colleges
  • when you access goods and services, like buying things in shops, cafes, cinemas and restaurants
  • while you access services from business people or tradespeople, and legal and medical services
  • while you access public places, like swimming pools, libraries, and sporting stadiums
  • while you find and live in accommodation, like renting a property, or hotel or motel or caravan
  • when you join or visit clubs and associations
  • when you play sport (in some circumstances)

What should you do if you have experienced discrimination?

As different legislation applies from state to state, it is best to seek specialist advice if you believe you have been unlawfully discriminated against.

Our team of employment lawyers and industrial advocates at Discrimination Claims can help.

Our goal is to support you and guide you through your rights and obligations and your best options moving forward.

Rest assured that we are on your side, and we will fight for you until we achieve the outcome that you want.


Read about recent discrimination cases

>>  Discrimination Claims win $25,000 for worker demoted for brain tumour

>>  Council ordered to pay compensation for disability discrimination

>>  Dr Chris Davis awarded $1.4 million for political discrimination

>>  Gay cops subjected to drug tests accuse force of sexuality discrimination

>>  Commonwealth Bank settles blind discrimination case

>>  Restaurant in court over pregnancy discrimination

LAST UPDATED:  January 2023


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1800 437 825

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