Australian Workplace Discrimination

Certain types of discrimination are illegal in Australia.

Australian employers are legally required to protect their employees from discrimination and harassment in the workplace. Several laws and acts outline what constitutes acceptable, as well as unacceptable, behavior in employment situations.

Racial Discrimination

The Racial Discrimination Act of 1975 makes treating a person unequally based on race, color, descent and national origin or ethnic origin illegal in Australia. Before the act was made law, many employers discriminated against those of Aboriginal descent in the workplace, says Barbara A. West, author of "G'day Boss!: Australian Culture and the Workplace."

Sex Discrimination

The Sex Discrimination Act of 1984 makes discrimination based on a person's sex, marital status or family responsibilities illegal. It is also unlawful to discriminate against a person because she is pregnant or might become pregnant. The act applies to both overt and subtle forms of sexual harassment.

Disability Discrimination

The Disability Discrimination Act of 1992 made it illegal to treat an employee unequally due to disability or perceived disability. The act also applies to relatives, friends and caretakers of the disabled employee.

References

• Australian Human Rights Commission: Information for Employers
• G'day Boss!: Australian Culture and the Workplace; Barbara A. West; 2007