Applying for a tribunal exemption

Exemptions under the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 allow discrimination in some circumstances. The Act includes a number of general exemptions, as well as exemptions that are specific to some of the areas of activity where discrimination is unlawful.

It is also possible to apply to a tribunal for an exemption.

Under section 113 of the Act, the tribunal may grant a temporary exemption from the operation of the Act. If granted, the discriminatory conduct would not be unlawful for the duration of the exemption.

For work-related matters, the tribunal is the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission (QIRC), and for all other matters, the tribunal is the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT).

How long does an exemption last?

The tribunal decides how long the exemption is to last, but it cannot be for more than five years.

An exemption may be renewed for further periods of up to five years. An application has to be made to the tribunal to renew an exemption.

What factors does the tribunal consider for an exemption?

The tribunal has to be satisfied the exemption is necessary. This means the applicant has to show an arguable case that the conduct would be unlawful under the Anti-Discrimination Act.

If the tribunal is satisfied an exemption is necessary, the tribunal will consider:

  • whether there are any non-discriminatory ways of achieving the purpose for which the exemption is sought;
  • whether there is support for granting the exemption;
  • whether it would be appropriate and reasonable to grant the exemption;
  • whether the exemption is in the community interest;
  • whether the exemption is compatible with human rights.

The tribunal must also take into consideration any submissions the Human Rights Commissioner might make about the application.

Some tribunal exemption decisions are listed on our website.

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Compatibility with human rights

In deciding whether to grant or renew an application for an exemption, the tribunal must properly consider human rights, and make a decision that is compatible with human rights. The human rights are those set out in sections 15 to 37 of the Human Rights Act 2019.

The applicant must satisfy the tribunal that the exemption is compatible with human rights. The first step is to identify the human rights affected by the exemption.

The right to equality and non-discrimination in section 15 of the Human Rights Act will be affected by an exemption. Therefore, the exemption must be a measure to assist people disadvantaged by discrimination, or limit human rights reasonably and no more than is demonstrably justified in a free and democratic society.

The requirements for a special measure are set out in the decision of the tribunal in Re: Ipswich City Council [2020] QIRC 194.

If the exemption is not a special measure, it needs to satisfy the test in section 13 of the Human Rights Act. The exemption must be proportionate to achieve a legitimate means that outweighs the limitation of the human right or rights.

What is a defence or exception?

There are a number of exceptions (or exemptions — sometimes called defences) in the Anti-Discrimination Act. General exemptions apply to discrimination in all the areas covered by the Act, and specific exemptions apply to discrimination in particular areas of public life.

The tribunal may not grant an exemption if it is satisfied that a defence or exception under the Anti-Discrimination Act applies.

These include:

  • welfare measures
  • equal opportunity measures
  • imposing a genuine occupational requirement for a position
  • public health
  • workplace health and safety.

The tribunal has refused to grant an exemption in circumstances where it considered an exemption or defence applied, or was reasonably arguable. For example, an exemption to allow an organisation to recruit women only to work at a women’s refuge might be refused, as the genuine occupational requirement exemption would already reasonably apply.

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How to apply for a tribunal exemption

For work-related exemption applications, use the QIRC form 83 Application for exemption or renewal of exemption. The form includes a statement that must accompany the application.

For all other exemption applications, use the QCAT form 20 Application for exemption or renewal of exemption from the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991. You must also provide a statement or affidavit in support of your application.

The statement or affidavit needs to set out (in detail) information to satisfy the tribunal that the exemption is necessary, and that it is appropriate and reasonable.  It should also demonstrate that the exemption is compatible with human rights.

You need to complete all sections of the relevant application form accurately and in detail.

For QCAT, the completed application and the statement or affidavit (and any other documents in support of the application) must be lodged with the tribunal with an additional three copies of each document.

You can lodge the application in person or by mail. Refer to the relevant tribunal websites for addresses.

There is no fee for applying for an exemption or to renew an exemption.

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What happens after I lodge my application?

A tribunal member may make directions for you to file further information.

A copy of the application and all your material in support will be sent to the Human Rights Commissioner. The Commissioner may make submissions to the tribunal about the application itself, and about the process for considering the application.

The Commissioner will be asked to inform the tribunal whether there are any current complaints against the applicant. It is not appropriate for the tribunal to consider an application while there is a current complaint about the subject matter of the application.

The tribunal might consider that other people should be notified about the application and given an opportunity to have a say about it. In some cases the tribunal might consider it appropriate to notify the public at large, or to hold a public hearing.

In most cases though, the tribunal will decide the application on the material it has from you, and any submissions from the Commissioner. The decision is made by a tribunal member, who will provide written reasons for the decision.

All documents lodged with the tribunal are available for public inspection, unless the tribunal makes a non-publication order. The decision of the tribunal will usually be published on the Queensland Supreme Court Library website and on AustLII.

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Appealing a tribunal decision

An appeal can be made by the applicant, the Commissioner, or any person who has an interest in the subject of the application.

For a QCAT decision, an appeal is made to the QCAT Appeal Tribunal, and must be made within 21 days.

For a QIRC decision, an appeal is made to the Industrial Court of Queensland, and must be made within 21 days.

Depending on the grounds of appeal, it may be necessary to first apply to the relevant appeal body for permission (leave) to appeal the decision.

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