What is sexuality discrimination?
Sexuality discrimination is occuring when someone is being treated less favourably than someone else because of their sexual orientation. It can happen at work, school or college, in a shop or a restaurant, looking for accommodation, buying property, applying for credit, insurance or a loan or dealing with tradespeople, businesses or state or local government
Do you need legal advice?
You should get legal advice if you think you’ve experienced discrimination, or if you have been subjected to sexual harassment or workplace bullying.
Discrimination Complaints
You can lodge a complaint about sexuality discrimination to the Queensland Human Rights Commission. Your complaint must be lodged with the Commission within twelve months of the discrimination happening. The Commission’s service is free, however, you may have to pay for any legal or other advice you decide to get. Your complaint can be in any language they will use translators if needed.
When making your complaint, make sure you include: your name, address for service and phone number a description of what happened, when and where who your complaint is about and their contact details and any other useful information.
To make a complaint you have a few contact options:
Phone: 1300 130 670
Website: https://www.qhrc.qld.gov.au/complaints/make-a-complaint
Email
Complaint information: enquiries@qhrc.qld.gov.au
Training: training@qhrc.qld.gov.au
Privacy: privacy@qhrc.qld.gov.au
Right to Information: rti@qhrc.qld.gov.au
General: info@qhrc.qld.gov.au
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Unit:
Jodie Luck – 07 3021 9113 or email jodie.luck@qhrc.qld.gov.au
Luke Wenitong – 07 4037 2104 or email luke.wenitong@qhrc.qld.gov.au
How to get legal advice
Legal Aid Queensland may give legal advice about discrimination and sexual harassment.
Their anti-discrimination unit provides specialist legal advice and help in this area to victims of discrimination and sexual harassment. It doesn’t give legal advice to people responding to complaints of discrimination and sexual harassment they have made.
Phone: 1300 65 11 88
Website: www.legalaid.qld.gov.au
The following organisations may also be able to give you legal advice
Cairns Community Legal Centre—Disability Discrimination Legal Service gives free specialist legal advice and help about disability discrimination.
Basic Rights Queensland—Disability Discrimination Legal Advocacy Service gives free specialist legal advice and help about disability discrimination.
LGBTI Legal Service gives free legal advice and information to LGBTI clients, including legal advice in relation to discrimination.
LawRight Self Representation Service (QCAT) gives legal advice and helps people applying to the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal for matters including discrimination disputes. They may be able to help with drafting documents and correspondence about your legal matter with QCAT. They don’t provide legal representation.
LawRight Self Representation Service (Federal) gives legal advice and help to people involved in civil proceedings in the Federal Circuit Court or Federal Court for matters involving anti-discrimination. They maybe be able to help with drafting documents and correspondence relating to your legal matter. They don’t provide legal representation.
Queensland Law Society can refer you to a private lawyer for advice about employment and industrial law. They may be able to provide representation for your matter.
Legalpedia is an online database operated by LawRight. It contains fact sheets, information and links to advocacy groups on discrimination.
Easy English Booklet – Getting Legal Help – Legal Aid Queensland have an Easy English booklet to help people understand how to, step by step, get help for their legal issues.
Phone: 1300 65 11 88 or Website: www.legalaid.qld.gov.au
Other LGBTI Support Groups
AIS support group Australia (Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome Support Group Australia)
Phone: 0422 922 406
Email: aissgaustralia@gmail.com
Website: www.aissga.org.au
ATSAQ: Australian Transgender Support Association Queensland Inc
Phone: (07) 3843 5024 (8am to 6pm)
Email: info@atsaq.org.au
Website: http://atsaq.org.au
Many Genders, One Voice
Email: manygendersonevoice2015@gmail.com
Website: www.manygendersonevoice.org
Phone: (07) 3017 1701
Group Coordinator: Dylan
QuAC (Queensland Aids Council)
Phone: (07) 3017 1777 or 1800 177 434 | Cairns (07) 4041 5451 or 1800 884 401
Email: info@quac.org.au | Cairns: cns@quac.org.au
Website: www.qahc.org.au
Seahorse Society Queensland Inc
Phone: 0403 876 393
Email: seahorseqld@gmail.com
Website: www.seahorseqld.org.au