Human Rights Act

The Human Rights Act 1993 provides greater protection for people facing unfair discrimination and yet it allows reasonable exceptions. The act came into force in 1 February 1994.

The Act includes the existing grounds of unlawful discrimination and introduces a number of new grounds.

Existing Grounds

Sex - including pregnancy, childbirth, and sexual harrassment.
Marital Status - meaning single, married, separated, divorced, widowed or de facto.
Religious of Ethical Belief
Race and Colour
Ethnic and National Origins - including nationality and citizenship.
Age - in employment only.

New Grounds

Disability
Age
Political opinion
Employment status
Family status
Sexual orientation

Note the disability grounds provides protection against discrimination on the grounds of AIDS or HIV infection.

NOTE

Discrimination against a person on any of these grounds is unlawful when:

Areas and Exceptions

Each of these new grounds of discrimination applies to :

Employment.
Education.
Access to Public Places.
Provision of Goods and Services.
Housing and Accomodation.

However, there are general and specific exceptions to the grounds in relation to each area.

To make a complaint about discrimination contact the Human Rights Commission for assistance.