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Workplace Discrimination Lawyer

Workplace Discrimination Lawyer FAQs

Frequently asked questions regarding workplace discrimination.

Am I required to disclose any health issues to my employer?

Generally, as a current or prospective employee you are not legally obligated to disclose any personal health or disability issues to your employer, whether current or prospective. However, under specific circumstances you may be obliged to disclose information regarding your personal health.

These circumstances include:

  • Medical assessments undertaken to determine your physical suitability for the role.
  • Your employer or prospective employer submits a written or verbal request for you to describe any health issues that may affect your ability to carry out the role.
  • Your employer or prospective employer asks you whether any reasonable adjustments to your workplace are required in order for you to perform the role.

Lawful requests for information regarding your personal health or disability are only lawful when your health or disability affects your competency in carrying out your role, or where your personal health or disability may impact upon workplace safety. Employers or prospective employers may request medical records from your general practitioner only if they have reason to believe that health issues may affect your ability to perform job-related tasks. Legally, your consent is required for such information to be released to your employer/prospective employer.

What happens if I disclose information regarding my health or disability to my employer?

Legislation exists to protect employees or contractors from unlawful discrimination relating to disability.

Victoria’s Equal Opportunity Act 2010 describes disability as –

  • The loss of bodily function, total or partial;
  • Disease;
  • Bodily injury or malfunction, including psychological or psychiatric conditions;
  • Deformation or disfigurement of body parts that may affect your ability to work.

The Act states that disability may not necessarily affect a person’s suitability for a role. As a job applicant, you are protected by section 16 of The Act, which prevents an employer/prospective employer from discriminating against you on the basis of disability in the following circumstances –

  • They are determining whether to offer you employment;
  • They are determining the terms of your employment in comparison to the terms affecting other employees;
  • They decide to refuse or omit an offer of employment in light of information regarding a disability which does not affect your suitability for the role;
  • They deny access to any occupational training, apprenticeship, or guidance program.

For current employees, section 18 of The Act prevents employers from discriminating based upon disclosure of health related information, or the disclosure of a disability, by employees. Examples of such discrimination by employers include –

  • The denial or limitation of promotion, transfer, training, or other beneficial opportunities relating to your employment;
  • The termination of your employment;
  • The refusal to provide you with access to guidance programs, apprenticeships, occupation training/retraining;
  • Subjecting you to any other detriment.

Section 20 of The Act outlines the obligations your employer has to make reasonable adjustments in the workplace to mitigate the effects of your disability. Such adjustments include the installation of a ramp for easy-access, an adjusted work station, or adjusted break times for example.

Under section 23 of The Act, employers may lawfully discriminate against as an employee (current or prospective) in situations where –

  • Adjustments to the workplace or terms of employment are required for you to perform the expected genuine tasks relating to your role.
  • An employer has made appropriate adjustments to the workplace as required under section 20 of The Act, yet you are still unable to perform tasks inherent to your employment.

The Fair Work Act 2009 (Commonwealth) provides protection from workplace discrimination under federal law, these protections reflect many of those afforded by the Victorian Equal Opportunity Act 2010. The Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Commonwealth) defines disability as being mental or physical incapacity which may limit a person’s mobility, senses, or activities (Hodkinson v The Commonwealth 2011). It is this definition that was used in the drafting of the Fair Work Act 2009 (Commonwealth).

Section 351(1) of the Fair Work Act 2009 (Commonwealth) prohibits employers from committing injury or discrimination in the form of adverse action or dismissal against any employee/prospective employee on the basis of mental or physical disability. A breach of this section entitles an affected employee to make a general protections claim, even if the employer has dismissed them.

Similarly to the Victorian Equal Opportunity Act 2010, the Fair Work Act 2009 (Commonwealth) states that if you are not able to perform tasks crucial to your role, it is not unlawful discrimination or a breach of The Act for an employer to dismiss you.

The Commonwealth Disability Discrimination Act 1992 provides parallel protections for employees against discrimination on the grounds of disability.

As a 60 year old female manager, I am beginning to feel uncomfortable due to repeated claims by the new CEO and other management staff that a young, attractive workforce is required for the company to meet its goals. I feel as though I may soon face discrimination because of my age. What can I do?

Sections 6(a) and 6(j) of the Victorian Equal Opportunity Act 2010 respectively list age and physical features as protected attributes. If you have been subject to discrimination on the basis of your age or physical features, you may be entitled to make a claim for unlawful discrimination under the Equal Opportunity Act 2010.

Employees claiming to have been discriminated against on the basis of age or physical features will have to provide evidence of unfavourable treatment in order to have their claim considered. If you believe you may find it difficult to secure a position elsewhere upon dismissal, you may wish to launch an injunction against your employer to prevent them from dismissing you. The complex injunction process would require legal representation to be effective. When a claim has been lodged with the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission, employers are not likely to dismiss you pending the outcome of the legal process you have initiated.

Specific evidence highlighting such discrimination may be found in the form of repeated comments by management staff describing a preference relating to age or appearance when recruiting new staff or allocating tasks. Demonstrations of age or appearance-based preference by management staff should be consistent before a claim is made, as one or two comments may be innocuous.

Workplace discrimination on the basis of age is also prohibited at the Commonwealth level under section 18 of the Age Discrimination Act (2004).

I’m worried about being victimised if I lodge a complaint with the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission. Are there rules in place to ensure I am protected?

Sections 103 and 104 of the Victorian Equal Opportunity Act 2010 state that victimisation on the basis of having lodged a complaint with the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission is illegal. If victimisation is being carried out by one or more individuals within the organisation, the employee is entitled to name those individuals in their complaint to the commission. Section 109 of the Victorian Equal Opportunity Act 2010 states that the employer is liable under the law even if employees carrying out victimisation are acting against the organisational policies of their employer.

I believe I was overlooked for a promotion whilst I was on maternity leave. Am I entitled to lodge an unlawful discrimination claim?

Under the Victorian Equal Opportunity Act 2010 it may be considered discrimination on the basis of sex or parental status if an employee has been overlooked for promotion whilst away on maternity leave.

I left my job due to ongoing discrimination. Despite my resignation, am I entitled to lodge a discrimination claim against my former employer?

A claim under the Victorian Equal Opportunity Act 2010 may still be made against a former employer on the basis of unlawful discrimination, even if you have resigned from your position. Resignation may complicate your claim, but the Victorian Equal Opportunity Commission understands that ongoing workplace discrimination can seriously affect the wellbeing of employees. Many employees who have been subject to discrimination are unaware of their rights, and resign without making a claim.

The details of your resignation may have a substantial effect on the strength of your claim. For example, there is a legal distinction made between a genuine resignation (a measured and rational decision by an employee) and a constructive dismissal.

If the resignation is found to be the result of a constructive dismissal or similar factors, you may receive compensation equivalent to the wages you would have earned if your termination was the result of a decision by your employer.

If the resignation is genuine, you may be limited to compensation for denigration and humiliation. It is unlikely you will receive compensation for any lost wages if the resignation was made voluntarily (with little influence by your employer or colleagues).

If you believe that your resignation was the result of constructive dismissal tactics by your employer, rather than a genuine resignation, the Commonwealth Fair Work Act 2009 may provide you with protection on the basis of unfair dismissal. Section 385 of the Fair Work Act 2009 states that if your dismissal was not a case of genuine redundancy, you may have been unfairly dismissed. This may also be taken as referring to a resignation filed under the influence of your employer or colleagues. If you believe this has happened to you, you may apply to Fair Work Australia within 21 days of the termination of your employment. If more than 21 days have passed, the Tribunal has discretion to extend the application period under section 394 of the Fair Work Act 2009 based on the reason for your delay.

Overall, it may be more beneficial to make a claim through the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission whilst still employed. If in doubt as to whether or not your case is likely to succeed, it is advisable to consult an employment law practitioner.

I was denied a promotion, and my employer claimed that the company decided to choose a younger person over a more experienced person. What can I do?

Under the Victorian Equal Opportunity Act 2010 and the Commonwealth Age Discrimination Act 2004 employers are prohibited from judging candidates for promotion on the basis of age. A decision by an employer to appoint a younger candidate for the role is likely rooted in the fact that a younger candidate with less experience can expect to earn a lower salary than a candidate with years of experience. Should your employer deny you a promotion purely due to the fact that you are older than other applicants, they would have contravened both Acts and therefore be liable for a discrimination claim.

The Victorian Equal Opportunity Act 2010 states that it is prohibited for employers to treat you unfavourably because of your age. Examples of unfavourable treatment may include the refusal to train you in new workplace equipment or techniques due to a belief that you may be too old to learn, or the imposition of an unreasonable workplace requirement, condition, or practice that has or is likely to negatively affect employees of a certain age.

Under the Equal Opportunity Act 2010, an employer may lawfully discriminate on the basis of age if your age impacts on your ability to carry out the inherent requirements of the role. These requirements are determined on a case-by-case basis, but may include –

  • The ability to perform tasks required of you in your role;
  • Your level of productivity and the quality of your work in relation to other employees;
  • The ability to work productively in a team and/or general workplace cohesion;
  • Your ability to work safely.

I raised concerns about superannuation entitlements with my employer and was dismissed shortly after. What are my rights?

Under the Commonwealth Fair Work Act 2009 and Victorian Equal Opportunity Act 2010 it is unlawful for an employer to dismiss an employee as a result of them raising concerns related to employment entitlements (such as superannuation).

Section 340(1) of the Commonwealth Fair Work Act 2009 states that an employer must not take ‘adverse action against an employee for:

  • Exercising or not exercising a workplace right, including proposing to (or proposing not to) exercise a workplace right. Including the right to discuss employment entitlements.
  • Attempting to enforce a workplace right, such as ensuring that employment entitlements are paid appropriately according to the award, statute, enterprise agreement etc.

Section 342(1) of the Fair Work Act 2009 defines adverse action as being conduct by an employer that includes dismissal, discrimination, injury of employment, or alteration of employment to the employee’s detriment. Section 342(2) of the Fair Work Act 2009 states that adverse action includes the threat by an employer to carry out any of the actions described in section 342(1). Your employer will be in breach of the Fair Work Act 2009 if it threatens to dismiss you on the basis of complaints you have made relating to employment entitlements or workplace rights (including the payment of superannuation).

Workplace rights

Section 341(1) of the Fair Work Act 2009 states that an employee has a ‘workplace right’ if the employee is entitled to the benefit of a workplace law or instrument, or:

  • Is able to take part in proceedings carried out in compliance with a workplace law or instrument;
  • Is able to complain or inquire to a person who is able to seek compliance with that law/workplace instrument.

As a result of these provisions it is prohibited for an employer to dismiss you based on a claim or proposed claim to superannuation entitlements or other employment entitlements (a workplace right) as this may constitute adverse action. Therefore, if you have been dismissed after exercising your right to discuss any concerns relating to employment benefits (including superannuation), you are entitled under the Fair Work Act 2009 to launch a general protections dispute with Fair Work Australia.

I felt I was being unfairly discriminated against in my workplace. I told my employer that I intended to lodge a discrimination claim against them. I was dismissed shortly after. What rights do I have?

If you have been subject to any form of detriment as a result of lodging a complaint with the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission you may have rights under the protections against victimisation outlined in the Victorian Equal Opportunity Act 2010.

An employer may not lawfully dismiss, or subject an employee to any form of detriment, due to that employee lodging/threatening to lodge a complaint with the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission.

Specifically, section 103 of the Victorian Equal Opportunity Act 2010 prohibits employers victimising employees as result of them –

  • Bringing a dispute to the commissioner for resolution;
  • Bringing any proceedings under the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 .

This provision enables you to make a discrimination complaint or lodge a claim without fearing dismissal or other detrimental action by your employer or colleagues. You may also be subject to victimisation if you are subjected to detrimental action in anticipation of you lodging a complaint or making a claim.

I was dismissed after taking several days off as a result of illness. What are my rights?

If a short absence is the only reason for your dismissal, your employer may have breached the Commonwealth Fair Work Act 2009 and/or other anti-discrimination legislation. You may be additionally protected if this temporary absence is the result of illness, injury, or impairment.

The Commonwealth Fair Work Act 2009, section 352 states that an employer may not dismiss you due to you being temporarily absent due to injury or illness. Under section 352, a maximum penalty of $11,095.20 may apply to an employer for dismissing you based on a short absence due to injury or illness. This penalty may still apply to your former employer if you have gained new employment elsewhere within six years of your dismissal.

Under the Commonwealth Fair Work Act 2009, you must provide your employer with a medical certificate or statutory declaration explaining your injury or illness within 24 hours of the commencement of your absence, or within a period that is considered reasonable under the circumstances.

If your absence exceeds three months, or your total absences over a 12 month period exceed three months, it is not considered to be a temporary absence and will not be covered by the Fair Work Act 2009. If you are on paid carer’s or personal leave for the duration of the absence, this does not apply, and it may be considered a temporary absence.

I was made redundant without explanation during my maternity leave. Do any laws protect me?

Under the Victorian Equal Opportunity Act 2010, and Commonwealth Fair Work Act 2009/ Sex Discrimination Act 1984 it is unlawful to dismiss a female employee on the basis of her taking maternity leave.

If such a dismissal occurs, it may form the basis for a sexual discrimination claim. This also applies to pregnant employees or those employees who have returned from maternity leave.

LGM Advisors will professionally guide you with your workplace discrimination situation. We have the knowledge, experience and professionalism to expertly consult you on the best possible outcome.

Contact LGM Advisors, the best when in comes to employment law in Melbourne today on (03) 9832 0608 or by email at contact@lgmadvisors.com.au.