As well as Commonwealth anti-discrimination legislation (Racial Discrimination Act 1975, the Sex Discrimination Act 1984, Disability Discrimination Act 1992 and Age Discrimination Act 2004), each state and territory has its own specific equal employment opportunity (EEO) legislation. But, generally speaking, it is illegal for employers to discriminate against employees or those applying for employment on any of the grounds below:
- race
- colour
- gender
- sexual preference
- age
- physical or mental disability
- marital status
- family responsibilities
- pregnancy
- religion
- political opinion
- membership or non-membership of a union
- national extraction
- social origin.
For a general overview of EEO, visit the Australian Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission [opens in new window].
To gain an understanding of your own state or territory anti-discrimination or equal employment opportunity body, follow the relevant links below [all open in new window].
For information on equal opportunity issues for women, visit these websites.
For disability related information for women, visit Women With Disabilities Australia (WWDA).
For information about disability discrimination and human rights, visit this section of the Australian Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission website, Disability rights [opens in new window].