Human Rights

AUSTRALIAN HUMAN RIGHTS

What can I complain about?
The Australian Human Rights Commission can investigate complaints of discrimination, harassment and bullying based on a person’s:

sex, including pregnancy, marital status, family responsibilities and sexual harassment
disability, including temporary and permanent disabilities; physical, intellectual, sensory, psychiatric disabilities, diseases or illnesses; medical conditions; work related injuries; past, present and future disabilities; and association with a person with a disability
race, including colour, descent, national or ethnic origin, immigrant status and racial hatred
age, covering young people and older people
sexual preference, criminal record, trade union activity, political opinion, religion or social origin (in employment only)
It is against the law to be discriminated against in many areas of public life, including employment, education, the provision of goods, services and facilities, accommodation, sport and the administration of Commonwealth laws and services.

The Commission can also investigate complaints about alleged breaches of human rights against the Commonwealth and its agencies.

How are complaints resolved?
Complaints to the Commission are resolved through a process known as conciliation. This is where the people involved in a complaint talk through the issues with the help of someone impartial and settle the matter on their own terms.

Conciliation is a very successful way of resolving complaints. Feedback shows that most people find our process fair, informal and easy to understand. It also helps them to better understand the issues and come up with solutions that are appropriate to their circumstances.

Complaint outcomes can include an apology, reinstatement to a job, compensation for lost wages, changes to a policy or developing and promoting anti-discrimination policies.

Find out more:

Conciliation – how it works – information about our approach to resolving complaints
Pathways to Resolution – order a DVD guide to the Commission’s conciliation process
Conciliation register – summaries of selected conciliated complaints
Complaint statistics – an overview of complaint outcomes since 1999
Charter of Services – our commitment to provide a prompt, clear and fair service
Get more information - ask us a question

How do I make a complaint?
Complaints must be made in writing or by email. You can download a complaint form (PDF) or (Word) or complete the online complaint form. Go to the Lodge a complaint page for more details.

A complaint can be made in any language. We have information about making a complaint in other languages.

The Commission can arrange an interpreter in your language or a sign language interpreter, if required. We can also help you write out your complaint if you need assistance.

Contact us
For more information or to discuss a complaint contact our Complaints

Phone: 1300 656 419 (local call) or 02 9284 9888
Email: complaintsinfo@humanrights.gov.au
TTY: 1800 620 241 (toll free)
Fax: 02 9284 9611

Get more information - general enquiries
Free interpretation and translation services are available by contacting 13 14 50 and asking for the Australian Human Rights Commission.