The Disability Rights Act
Published at 05-05-2025 11:42:25
Tags: #ForParticipants
The Disability Rights Act, formally known as the Disability Discrimination Act 1992, is Australia's national legislation protecting the rights of people with disabilities. It makes it illegal to discriminate against anyone due to their disability, providing essential protections across various public spaces and services.
What Constitutes Disability Discrimination?
Disability discrimination occurs when a person is treated less favorably due to:
- Having a disability or condition
- Being perceived to have a disability (whether currently or in the future)
- Past experiences of disability
- Relationships with someone who has a disability
Scope of the Disability Discrimination Act
The Act applies in diverse settings, ensuring fairness and equal opportunities across:
- Employment: During job applications or within the workplace
- Goods and Services: Access to shops, banks, and healthcare
- Education: Enrolling and studying at educational institutions
- Accommodation: Renting or purchasing a residence
- Clubs and Associations: Including union membership and clubs with licensable activities
What Types of Disabilities Are Protected?
The Act broadly defines disabilities to cover:
- Physical disabilities
- Cognitive, learning, and intellectual disabilities
- Psychiatric conditions and mental illnesses
- Conditions resulting from illness, accidents, or surgery
- Assistance requirements, including those with service animals or adaptive devices
Making a Complaint
If you believe you’ve experienced discrimination, here are steps to consider:
- Address the Concern: If you feel comfortable, try speaking directly with the responsible individual or organisation.
- Lodge a Complaint: If direct communication isn’t suitable or effective, you can file a formal complaint with the appropriate state or national body, such as the Australian Human Rights Commission or your state’s anti-discrimination commission.
Where to Go for Support
National advocacy programs are available to support people with disabilities in making complaints. Below are some of the key state and national contacts:
- Australian Human Rights Commission
- ACT: ACT Human Rights Commission
- NSW: Anti-Discrimination NSW
- QLD: Anti-Discrimination Commission Queensland
- SA: Disability-related complaints and feedback
- TAS: Equal Opportunity Tasmania
- VIC: Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission
- WA: Rights of People with Disability (services) / Making a Complaint
Understanding Your Rights
The Disability Discrimination Act aims to uphold equality and remove barriers for those with disabilities, creating an inclusive society where everyone can participate freely and without discrimination. If you need support to make a complaint, explore the National Advocacy Program to find an advocate.