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Personal association

Discrimination - Personal Association Factsheet - PDF Format (70KB)

Discrimination is treating someone unfairly or less favourably because of a personal characteristic. In Victoria it is against the law to discriminate against someone because of their personal association with someone who has or is assumed to have one of the protected characteristics.

Examples

Julia applies for a senior financial management position with a major bank. She is refused the job because “the bank is a conservative body and we are uncomfortable with the fact that your brother is a trade union official.”

A girl is harassed and bullied at school because a newspaper prints an article identifying her mother as having HIV. The school fails to take action to stop the bullying and the girl eventually leaves the school.

When is discrimination against the law?

Discrimination laws apply to public behaviour, not to private conduct. Public areas covered by the law include accommodation, clubs and club members, disposal of land, education, employment, goods and services, sport and local government.

How can the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission help?

We help resolve complaints of discrimination by offering a confidential, free and impartial resolution service with the aim of achieving a mutual agreement.

Representative Complaints

Victoria's equal opportunity laws were amended in October 11 2006 making it possible for a person or representative body to lodge a complaint with the Commission on behalf of a named person or persons who believe they have been subjected to discrimination or sexual harassment. A representative must be either a person with the same complaint or an organisation with sufficient interest in the complaint.

Contact our free and confidential Advice Line: (03) 9281 7100
TOLL FREE (country callers) 1800 134 142
TTY: (03) 9281 7110
Email: information@veohrc.vic.gov.au

Free interpreters are available on request.

The VEOHRC complies with Victorian privacy laws and the confidentiality provisions of the Equal Opportunity Act 1995. For a copy of the VEOHRC’s privacy policy, please go to www.humanrightscommission.vic.gov.au/privacy or contact the VEOHRC.

DISCLAIMER: This information is intended as a guide only. It is not a substitute for legal advice.

Authorised and printed by the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission, 3/380 Lonsdale St, Melbourne, Victoria, 3000

April 2007