Discrimination and human rights

Choosing a jurisdiction in which to lodge a complaint can be a complex choice. Different time limits apply to different jurisdictions. It may be useful to seek legal advice before lodging your complaint.

People wishing to enquire about or make a complaint of discrimination, sexual harassment, victimisation, racial or religious vilification, or report a change or suppression practice, may contact the VEOHRC. You can phone the VEOHRC between 10 am and 2 pm Monday to Friday. Complaints can also be lodged through the VEOHRC’s website. For the VEOHRC’s contact details, see ‘Contacts’ at the end of this chapter.

The VEOHRC has also published a Victorian discrimination law resource, Victorian Discrimination Law, that explains the Equal Opportunity Act and the Racial and Religious Tolerance Act in detail and considers relevant case law.

Under the Equal Opportunity Act, you can choose to take your complaint to the VEOHRC for dispute resolution or apply to VCAT for dispute resolution and to have your complaint heard in a public hearing. Applications to VCAT can be lodged online. For VCAT’s contact details, see ‘Contacts’ at the end of this chapter.

Complaints of racial, disability, age and sex dis­ crimination under the Commonwealth Acts (listed above) should be made in writing. A complaint form is available on the AHRC’s website (www. humanrights.gov.au). For the AHRC’s contact details, see ‘Contacts’ at the end of this chapter.

The Fair Work Ombudsman can provide inform­ ation about options to pursue matters of employment discrimination action under the Fair Work Act. A translating and interpreting service is available by phoning 13 14 50.

The Fair Work Commission (FWC) can provide information about options to pursue employment- related discrimination and sexual harassment complaints.

For contact details, see ‘Contacts’, below.