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Discrimination means treating someone unfairly because of who they are. It is illegal to discriminate against someone because they have a disability. Yet, many people in our community face discrimination. If you've been left out or treated unfairly, there are ways to take action.
Discrimination happens when you are treated differently because of things like your:
It can happen anywhere: at home, at work, online, at school, at the shops.
Discrimination is always unfair. Legal rules decide whether an example of discrimination is against the law. You can read more about the law in Easy Read here (external link).
Discrimination hurts. You're not alone if you feel angry, frustrated, humiliated or upset. Talk to someone you trust. Seek support. You deserve the same opportunities as other Australians.
Discrimination can be direct, like:
Discrimination can be indirect, like:
Both types of discrimination can make you feel bad. They can stop you from doing what you want and feeling that you belong.
The laws on disability and discrimination vary around Australia. If you have been treated unfairly because of your disability, you can:
Below, we share more places you can report disability discrimination.
Queensland Human Rights Commission
Phone: 1300 130 670
Address: Level 20/53 Albert St, Brisbane City QLD 4000
Website: Queensland Human Rights Commission (external link)
New South Wales Ageing and Disability Commission
Abuse Helpline is a good resource for contacting the commission.
Phone: 1800 628 221 (toll-free) and operates Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.
Address: Level 6, 93 George St, Parramatta, NSW 2150
Website: NSW Ageing and Disability Commission (external link)
Australian Capital Territory Human Rights Commission
Phone: (02) 6205 2222
TTY: (02) 6205 1666 (for the deaf or hearing impaired)
Email: human.rights@act.gov.au (general inquiries)
Victims Support Phone: 1800 822 272 (toll-free)
Website: ACT Human Rights Commission (external link)
Victoria Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission
Phone: 1300 292 153 (this is the general inquiry line)
TTY: For the deaf or hearing impaired, they recommend using the National Relay Service (NRS) or Video Relay Service (VRS) to connect with them at 1300 292 153.
Email: complaints@veohrc.vic.gov.au (for complaints)
Address: Level 3, 204 Lygon Street, Carlton VIC 3053
Website: Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission (external link)
Tasmania Anti-discrimination Commissioner
Phone: (03) 6165 7515 (Hobart area)
Statewide toll-free: 1300 305 062
National Relay Service (hearing impaired): 1300 558 888
Website: Anti-discrimination Commissioner (external link)
Northern Territory Anti-Discrimination Commission
Phone (free): 1800 813 846
Darwin Office: (08) 8999 1444
Address: Level 9, NT House, 22 Mitchell St, Darwin NT 0800
Postal address: LMB 22, GPO Darwin NT 0801
Website: Northern Territory Anti-Discrimination Commission (external link)
South Australia - Equal Opportunity SA
Phone: (08) 7322 7070
Country Callers: 1800 188 163 (toll-free)
Address: GPO Box 464, Adelaide SA 5001
Website: Equal Opportunity SA (external link)
Western Australia - The Equal Opportunity Commission WA
Perth Metro: (08) 9216 3900
Country Callers: 1800 198 149 (toll-free)
TTY: (08) 9216 3936
Address: Albert Facey House, 469 Wellington Street, Perth WA 6000
Website: Equal Opportunity Commission WA (external link)
If you need support to make a complaint, you can ask an advocate.
Advocates can help you:
The AskIzzy website can help you find an advocate nearby here (external link).
Read more about standing up for yourself here (internal link).
Neha starts a new job as a teacher at a primary school. She uses a wheelchair and needs a ramp to access her classroom. However, there is no ramp. Neha raises this issue with the Principal. He says that ramps are expensive. Neha reminds him that Australian law says that the school must make reasonable changes to allow her to do her job. The school agrees and installs a ramp.
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