When a complaint is made about you
When we receive a complaint, we assess whether we can accept it under the:
- Human Rights Act
or
- Anti-Discrimination Act.
If we accept the complaint, it means that it alleges unlawful conduct, but it does not mean we have decided the allegations are true. We will follow our complaints process to help the parties resolve the complaint.
You will:
- receive a copy of the complaint including the name of the person making it
- have an opportunity to respond to the complaint in writing
- have an opportunity to take part in any dispute resolution service we offer.
Complaints under the Anti-Discrimination Act that are not resolved through dispute resolution may be referred to a tribunal for a decision. Complaints under the Human Rights Act that are not resolved may result in recommendations to the respondent, but they cannot be referred to a court or tribunal.
If a complaint about you is made, but not accepted, you won’t be notified.
Legal assistance
You do not need a lawyer to respond to a complaint or take part in a dispute resolution conference. However, you may find it useful to get legal advice about the complaint made against you:
- before you respond to the complaint in writing
- later in the complaints process.
This may include advice from:
- your industry association or other support agency
- professional legal advice.
We do not provide legal advice.
If you wish to have legal representation at a conciliation conference, you must request permission from the dispute resolution officer before the conference.
The dispute resolution officer will decide whether to approve an advocate by considering whether:
- the advocate will assist the resolution of the complaint
- the other parties will be represented
- the advocate agrees to participate in a way that will assist the resolution of the complaint.
The Queensland Law Society may be able to guide you in finding a lawyer.