Resolved complaint (281) about disability discrimination in education
Learn how a complaint (281) about disability discrimination in education was resolved through conciliation.
Summary
- Year: 2026
- Relevant Act: Disability Discrimination Act
- Grounds: Disability
- Area(s): Disability Standards; Education
- Settlement terms:
- Compensation;
- Statement of regret - private
- Settlement amount: $6,000
About the complaint
The complainants alleged the respondent K-12 independent school declined their son’s application for enrolment because he has autism spectrum disorder.
The school said it would not be the best environment for the complainants’ son because of the impact that identified behaviours would have on staff and other students.
The complaint was resolved by conciliation. The school agreed to write to the complainants acknowledging the impact of the events giving rise to the complaint on their family and assuring them the complaint would not be a factor in considering applications for enrolment of their other children. The school agreed to pay the complainants approximately $6,000.
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.
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Please note:
- all complaints are de-identified
- complaints are resolved on a 'without admission of liability' basis
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