Discrimination, including racial discrimination
If you experience or witness behaviour in a Commonwealth parliamentary workplace that creates a risk to your health or safety, please call the PWSS at 1800 747 977 - option 1, to discuss. You can remain anonymous while receiving support.
You may experience or witness behaviour that you consider to be discriminatory in the workplace. Discrimination is unlawful in Australia.
Discrimination is when a person is treated less favourably, or not given the same opportunities, as others in a similar situation, because of a particular personal characteristic such as sex, age, race, gender, disability, religion or sexual orientation.
Workplace discrimination can include:
- unjustified and unreasonable work requirements which have an unfair effect on a particular cultural or ethnic group
- unreasonably failing or refusing to accommodate dietary requirements, attire or routines undertaken in accordance with religious practice (such as prayer)
- refusing to hire or promote a suitably qualified person because of their age
- terminating an employee because they have or are perceived to have a disability, have had a disability in the past, or may develop a disability in the future.
Racial discrimination can also take the form of unfair treatment of a person because of their race, cultural or ethnic group, skin colour or the country where they were born.
Access Support Services
MOP(S) Act Employees can access confidential trauma-informed support and assistance. The PWSS Counselling & Support team can provide confidential support and advice on your options. You can remain anonymous while receiving support.
- Call us at 1800 PH PWSS (1800 747 977 - option 1)
- Email the Counselling & Support team- external site
- Text us on 0487 112 755
- Stop by and see us, or make an appointment. We are located at Suite M2.105 in Parliament House. We are available from 8:30am-7pm Monday to Wednesday of sitting weeks and from 9am-5pm on all other business days.