Resolved complaint (253) about association with a person with disability and family responsibility discrimination in employment
Learn how a complaint (253): association with a person with disability and family responsibility discrimination in employment — resolved by conciliation.
Summary
- Year: 2025
- Relevant Act: Disability Discrimination Act; Sex Discrimination Act
- Grounds: Associate; Family responsibilities
- Area(s): Employment
- Settlement terms:
- Compensation
- Settlement amount: $3,500
About the complaint
The complainant was employed with the respondent social assistance organisation. She alleged the organisation altered her contract without consultation, offering her a schedule that conflicted with her caring responsibilities. She alleged that after taking time off to care for her children, one of her work days was offered to a colleague. The complainant felt she had no option but to resign and alleged discrimination on the ground of family responsibilities and association with a person with disability.
The organisation said it proposed to reduce the complainant’s working hours to help her balance her work and family responsibilities and that the contract was not final and was open to negotiation.
The complaint was resolved by conciliation with an agreement that the organisation pay the complainant approximately $3,500, equivalent to two weeks’ pay.
Guidance on the use of these summaries
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.
These summaries are for general guidance only and are not legal advice. If you need advice about your situation, you should seek independent legal support.
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.
