Disability rights: What about Doug's rights?
Resource sheet: Making a complaint with the Commission
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The Australian Human Rights Commission is an independent statutory organisation that works to protect and promote the human rights of all people in Australia. We were established by the Australian Government in 1986.
Our vision is to work towards an Australian society where human rights are enjoyed by everyone, everywhere, every day.
Our work covers four key areas:
- providing education and raising public awareness about human rights
- handling complaints of discrimination and breaches of human rights
- researching human rights issues and contributing to policy developments
- legal advocacy on human rights issues.
The Commission has statutory responsibilities under the following federal laws:
- Age Discrimination Act 2004
- Disability Discrimination Act 1992
- Australian Human Rights Commission Act 1986
- Sex Discrimination Act 1984
- Racial Discrimination Act 1975
Complaints service
No one has to put up with discrimination, harassment or bullying.
There are laws to protect you from discrimination in areas of public life such as: employment, education, sport and the provision of goods services and facilities.
These laws apply to everyone in Australia regardless of where they live.
If you think you have been discriminated against, you can lodge a complaint with us. It doesn't cost anything to make a complaint and we aim to deal with it quickly and with a minimum of fuss.
If you are unsure if what you have experienced could be discrimination, you can call us to talk about it or email us and we will let you know if we can help you, or refer you to someone who can.
We will handle your complaint by talking to the people involved and try to resolve the complaint through a process called 'conciliation'.
Outcomes of conciliation will vary depending on the complaint, but they may include an apology, compensation, the introduction of anti-discrimination training or practical changes to facilities and services.
To find out more read our complaints information online at: www.humanrights.gov.au/complaints_information/
This information has also been translated into a range of different languages available at: www.humanrights.gov.au/about/languages/
For more information or to discuss a complaint contact our Complaints Infoline at:
Phone: 1300 656 419 (local call) or 02 9284 9888
Complaints email: complaintsinfo@humanrights.gov.au
TTY: 1800 620 241 (toll free)
Fax: 02 9284 9611
Free Telephone Interpreter Service: 13 14 50
