In this section, we use the term ‘disability’ to refer to what the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 (Qld) calls ‘impairment’. Both terms share the same meaning in this context.
Explore disability discrimination in areas of public life and what you can do if you experience this.
Workplace
You have the right to work in an environment free from discrimination.
Employers must:
- provide reasonable adjustments to help you perform your job (e.g. flexible work arrangements, modified equipment, or accessible facilities) unless doing so would cause them unjustifiable hardship
- avoid treating you unfairly because of your disability.
Examples of workplace discrimination:
- refusing to hire someone because of a disability that is not relevant to their ability to do the job
- denying promotions or training opportunities to workers with disability
- failing to provide reasonable adjustments, such as assistive technology or modified workspaces that do not cause the employer unjustifiable hardship.
Education
Students with disability have the right to access education on an equal basis with other students.
Schools, universities, and training providers must:
- make reasonable adjustments to support students with disability, unless doing so would cause them unjustifiable hardship
- ensure that learning materials and facilities are accessible.
Examples of discrimination in education:
- refusing to enrol a student because of their disability
- failing to provide extra time for exams or accessible learning materials.
Goods and services
Businesses and service providers must ensure their goods and services are accessible to everyone, including people with disability.
Examples of treatment that may be discrimination in goods and services:
- refusing service to someone with a guide or assistance dog
- failing to provide wheelchair access to a shop or restaurant
- denying healthcare services to someone with a disability.
Housing
You have the right to rent or buy housing without discrimination. Landlords and property managers must not treat you unfairly because of your disability.
Examples of discrimination in housing:
- refusing to rent to someone with a disability
- refusing to allow reasonable alterations for a disability to be made and paid for by the renter.
Public transport
Public transport providers must ensure their services are accessible to people with impairments.
Examples of discrimination in public transport include:
- failing to provide wheelchair-accessible buses or trains
- refusing to transport passengers with guide dogs.
Clubs
You have the right to be accepted as a member of a club without discrimination.
Examples of discrimination in clubs:
- denying membership to someone with disability
- denying members with disability the usual benefits associated with membership.
What you can do
If you experience discrimination in any of these areas, you can make a complaint to us.