At a glance (Summary)
Discrimination occurs when a person is treated unfavourably because of a legally protected attribute, or where an employer fails to make reasonable adjustments for that attribute. Australia’s framework includes federal and state/territory anti‑discrimination laws, and protections in the Fair Work Act. Time limits can be short — seek advice early.
- Common protected attributes: age; disability (physical or mental); sex; sexual orientation; gender identity; pregnancy/breastfeeding; family & carer responsibilities; marital status; religion; race; national extraction/social origin; industrial activity; and in some laws experiencing family & domestic violence.
- Forms include direct and indirect discrimination, and failure to accommodate a protected attribute.
This is general information, not legal advice. See “Need more help?” below.