Equal Opportunity and Anti-Discrimination Commissions are boards that can help you if you are being discriminated against. This can include workplace discrimination, sexual harassment at work, bullying, or violence.

These commissions are statutory bodies that promote equality of opportunity for all workers. They offer education about the rights and responsibilities of workplaces and workers under equal opportunity laws. Additionally, they provide free and impartial dispute resolution services for people with disputes. So, if you feel you are being discriminated against, you can access these services to resolve the situation. 

It is a good idea to attempt to resolve the problem with your workplace first. This can include talking to your supervisor, HR manager, or union representative. If the situation has not been resolved, then you can contact your state’s Equal Opportunity and Anti-Discrimination Commission board. 

Unlawful discrimination is when you are treated less favourably than somebody else because of your:

• Disability (includes diseases and illnesses)
• Sex (includes pregnancy and breastfeeding)  
• Race
• Age
• Marital or domestic status
• Sexual orientation
• Transgender status
• Carer’s responsibilities 

This list may vary from state to state, you can access the links below to see the areas of discrimination that are protected in your state or territory. You can read our articles on What is discrimination and What is sexual harassment to understand what this means in more detail. 

Equal Opportunity and Anti-Discrimination Commissions across Australia: 

• NSW and ACT: Anti-Discrimination Board of NSW
• NT:  NT Anti-Discrimination Commission
• QLD:  Anti-Discrimination Commission Queensland
• SA:  Equal Opportunity Commission SA
• TAS:  Anti-Discrimination Commissioner
• VIC: Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission
• WA:  Equal Opportunity Commission WA

National: Australian Human Rights Commission