Resolved complaint (195) about racial discrimination in the provision of goods and services
Learn how a complaint (195) about racial discrimination in the provision of goods and services was resolved through conciliation.
Summary
- Year: 2025
- Relevant Act: Racial Discrimination Act
- Grounds: Ethnic origin; National origin/extraction; Race
- Area(s): Goods, services and facilities
- Settlement terms:
- Compensation
- Other
About the complaint
The complainant identifies as “half-Asian” and alleged he was told his application for an international driver’s permit was declined because his eyes “looked half-closed”.
The respondent insurer advised that the criteria for an international driver’s permit are regulated and the complainant’s application was declined because his photo did not meet the requirements of the regulator.
The complainant resubmitted his application for an international driver’s permit with a new photo and his application was granted. The complaint was resolved by conciliation with an agreement that the respondent insurer refund the complainant the cost of the original application and travel costs incurred while awaiting the granting of an international driver’s permit.
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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
- complaints are resolved on a 'without admission of liability' basis
- some content may include confronting or offensive language.
