Before making a complaint

Complaint types

We deal with complaints covered by:

• the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 
• the Human Rights Act 2019.

Sometimes both Acts apply.

The main types of complaints we deal with include:

• discrimination in work, education and other specific areas of public life
• sexual harassment or vilification
• limitations of human rights by a public entity.

Once you submit a complaint that we can deal with, we’ll determine which of the Acts apply and follow the appropriate complaints process to help resolve it.

If your complaint relates to something we do not deal with, please see our list of other organisations that may be able to support you.

Time limits

Complaints should be lodged within 12 months of the incident.

In some cases, we may accept an older complaint. If your complaint is about something that happened more than 12 months ago, you should lodge it as soon as possible.

Who can make a complaint

You can make a complaint if you are:

• the person directly affected by the behaviour
• an authorised agent of the person directly affected (someone the affected person trusts)
• a person authorised by the Commission    (e.g. the Commission may authorise a parent or guardian if the person affected is a young child)
• a relevant organisation such as a community or advocacy group (for vilification complaints only).

How to authorise someone else

Confirm in writing that you authorise a named person as your agent to make the complaint and sign it. Your agent must include this signed statement in the complaint they submit for you.

Unauthorised complaints

When someone you haven’t authorised makes a complaint for you, the Commission may appoint them as your agent, if appropriate. For example, we may appoint a parent as the agent for a young child.

If you can’t make a complaint for yourself and you don’t have someone suitable to help, please contact us.

Legal advice and advocates

The Commission is independent and impartial—we share information and help resolve complaints.

We do not:

• take sides
• provide legal advice
• act as an advocate.

You can choose to:

• nominate your own advocate or lawyer
• seek free or low-cost legal advice before lodging a complaint.

If you wish to nominate an advocate or are a prospective advocate, contact our enquiries team for information.

If you would like help understanding your rights and possible outcomes, you can engage an independent lawyer or consult free or low-cost legal advice services.