Equal Opportunity and Anti-Discrimination

  • Overview and Examples
  • What You Need To Know
  • Specialising Lawyers
Make A Claim

Overview

Equal Opportunity and Anti-Discrimination

In Australia, national and state laws cover equal opportunity, anti-discrimination and equal employment opportunity in the workplace. These laws require a workplace free from discrimination and harassment.

The Anti-Discrimination Board of NSW (ADNSW) is an independent statutory body that handles discrimination complaints under the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW).

In New South Wales it is against the law to treat someone less favourably because of a protected personal characteristic, including:

  • sex (includes pregnancy and breastfeeding)

  • race

  • religion

  • marital or domestic status

  • sexual orientation

  • age

  • disability (includes diseases and illnesses)

  • transgender status.

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Examples

The law applies generally to the following situations when you:

  • Apply for a job, licence or registration to perform a job.

  • Obtain or try to obtain goods or services from shops, banks or other providers.

  • Apply to get into or are studying in any educational institution.

  • Rent accommodation.

  • Try to enter or join a registered club.

What You Need To Know

Are You Eligible To Make A Claim?

Anti-discrimination legislation exists because everyone deserves the same opportunities. If you feel you have been discriminated against based on your gender, race, or any other personal trait, then you may be able to make a claim.

You are eligible to make a claim:

  1. If your employer (or someone who is specifically authorised to act on behalf of the employer, such as a manager or supervisor) acts in a discriminatory or harassing way, including sexual harassment.

  2. If other employees behave in a discriminatory or harassing way, but the employer failed to take ‘all reasonable steps’ to prevent the discrimination or harassment from happening.

In NSW, people are protected by the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977. In other states, similar laws exist under different names, such as the Equal Opportunity Act. This legislation prohibits discrimination and has been specifically designed to protect people from unlawful discrimination.

Limiting equal employment opportunities for certain people can disadvantage employees in many different ways, and may also have a significant impact on a person’s mental health. This is why it is so important to report incidents of discrimination, sexual harassment and victimisation in the workplace.


What Are You Able To Claim?  

The legal costs of running a tribunal or court case may vary, depending on many different factors. However, the compensation payable for discrimination or harassment complaints has an upper limit is $100,000 in NSW. There is no limit under federal legislation.


What Is Your Next Step? 

Non-discrimination law is an intrinsic element of the principle of equality. It ensures that no one is denied their rights due to their personal traits and choices.

At Brydens Lawyers, we have decades of experience dealing with employment law and, in particular, anti-discrimination law. If you believe you have an anti-discrimination case, then contact the team at Brydens Lawyers to discuss your issue further. We can provide the right legal advice and guidance to help you achieve your desired outcome.


Why Are Brydens Lawyers The Right Representation For You?

Brydens Lawyers have extensive experience in representing workers from a broad range of occupations and advocating for equal opportunity employment. We have a proven track record in providing straightforward, accurate, and relevant advice and representation on a wide range of complex legal issues—from navigating workplace investigations, negotiating the terms of employment contracts and recovering bonus payments. We have a comprehensive understanding of Australian employment laws and following an initial consultation, we can quickly determine the likelihood of success of your particular case, allowing you to either move on or pursue further action.


When Should You Consult A Lawyer About Making A Claim?

You should contact Brydens Lawyers if you are being or suspect you have been treated unfairly or harassed in relation to salaries, employment packages, training, promotion and other workplace benefits because of your age, carer’s responsibilities, disability, sexual orientation, marital or domestic status, race, sex (including pregnancy and breastfeeding) or transgender and gender identity status.

Complaints to ADNSW should be made within twelve months of the alleged discrimination. The president of ADNSW may accept complaints outside of these time limits if there is a satisfactory reason why they should do so. This means it is crucial for you to act quickly and contact Brydens Lawyers to discuss your case as soon as possible.


How We Can Help With Equal Opportunity and Anti-Discrimination Law

Below are some examples of matters we can assist with:

  • discrimination

  • unfair dismissal

  • adverse action

  • workplace investigations

  • performance management

  • unlawful termination of employment

  • bullying and Harassment in the workplace

  • reviewing or negotiating employment contracts

  • reviewing or negotiating redundancy entitlements

  • restrictive covenants arising from your employment

  • recovery of unpaid or underpayment of wages or entitlements.

Contact the professionals at Brydens Lawyers today to discuss your case and find out how we can help you.

Testimonials

Omar Khan of Brydens Lawyers resolved everything quickly and looked out for my interests every step of the way. I’m very satisfied with how things played out and will definitely be contacting them if I need help again.

Paul M, a client of our Commercial division

I cannot say enough of my lawyers Omar- he listened and gave simple answers so I could understand. Most importantly, he showed empathy when I was distressed.

Lisa O, a client of our Commercial division

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