Everyone deserves to work in a place that is free from discrimination. Discrimination in the workplace is when you’re treated unfairly or differently than other people because of who you are or what you believe.

If you’ve experienced discrimination at work or while applying for a job, there are laws to protect you.

What is workplace discrimination?

Australian law doesn’t allow anyone at work to discriminate against you because of your personal characteristics. These include any of the following:

  • your gender
  • your age
  • your sexual orientation or gender identity
  • your religion and religious practices
  • your political views and actions
  • whether you’re married or not
  • your involvement – or non-involvement – with a union
  • your race or cultural background
  • whether you’re pregnant or breastfeeding
  • whether you’re a parent or not
  • whether you’re a carer for someone
  • whether you have a disability or impairment
  • your physical features
  • your personal association with someone with any of these personal characteristics.

Workplace discrimination can take many forms, including:

  • being sacked from your job
  • interfering with your ability to do your job
  • changing your job role to your disadvantage
  • treating you differently from other employees
  • refusing to employ you
  • being offered different terms and conditions from others doing the same job.

Taking action against discrimination

If you believe you’ve been discriminated against, there are things you can do. In Australia, there are both state and federal agencies that can help you.

The first thing you should do is get some advice. Contact one of these organisations to find out the next steps:

Our dealing with discrimination or racism page has more information.