Resolved complaint (157) about disability and assistance animal discrimination in employment
Learn how a complaint (157) about disability and assistance animal discrimination in employment was resolved through conciliation.
Summary
- Year: 2025
- Relevant Act: Disability Discrimination Act
- Grounds: Assistance animal; Disability
- Area(s): Employment
- Settlement terms:
- Compensation
- Settlement amount: $22,500
About the complaint
The complainant has Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and uses an assistance dog. She claimed that when her employer, the respondent state government corporation, transitioned to “hot-desking", she requested adjustments that included an anchor desk, regular contact with her manager, and to be accompanied by her assistance dog in the office. She alleged her requests were refused or not properly implemented and that she was told that PTSD is “easy to fix” so she should just “fix it”. The complainant said her health deteriorated as a result and she felt she had no option but to resign.
The state government corporation claimed it had properly accommodated the complainant's disability when it transitioned to “hot-desking” arrangements.
The complaint was resolved with an agreement that the state government corporation pay the complainant $22,500 as general damages.
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This is a summary of a selected complaint that has been resolved through our conciliation process. It's designed to help people better understand how complaints might be resolved and what outcomes are possible.
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Please note:
- all complaints are de-identified
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