What is discrimination?

Under the Tasmanian Anti-Discrimination Act 1998 (the Act), it is discrimination when a person is treated less favourably (worse) than other people because they have a particular characteristic, such as their age, race, sex or disability. It is also discrimination when a person is disadvantaged compared to other people because they have a particular characteristic.

When is discrimination against the law?

If discrimination happens:

(a) because of a characteristic that is listed in the Act (called an attribute in the Act)

and

(b) it happens in an area of activity that is listed in the Act, it is unlawful discrimination.

What if I think I've been discriminated against?

If you think you have been discriminated against, you can make a complaint about it to the Anti-Discrimination Commissioner.

What else is unlawful under the Act?

The Act also makes other behaviour or conduct unlawful discrimination.

You can also complain to the Commissioner if you think you have been affected by this sort of behaviour or conduct.

Are there exceptions to the Act?

The Act does include exceptions and exemptions that mean that conduct that would otherwise be unlawful is okay.