Sex and gender rights
Learn about sex and gender rights in Australia, including protections against discrimination, harassment and how to pursue equality in work and public life.
Summary
All of us can help ensure that everyone, regardless of sex or gender, has the opportunities and choices to lead full and healthy lives.
The Sex Discrimination Act 1984 (Cth) promotes equality between men, women and gender diverse people.
Know your rights
What is sex discrimination?
Understand the Sex Discrimination Act and your rights to gender equality, freedom from harassment, and protection against discrimination in work and public
Trans and gender diverse people's rights in Australia
Explore explainers on the rights of trans and gender diverse people in Australia, covering discrimination protections and legal recognition.
Workplace sexual harassment guidance
Practical guidance, resources and support for workers, employers and advocates on dealing with workplace sexual harassment.
The positive duty in the Sex Discrimination Act
Learn about employers' positive duty to eliminate sexual harassment, sexist conduct and sex discrimination in the workplace under the Sex Discrimination Act.
Guides, statistics and facts about sex and gender rights
Explore guidance, fact sheets and statistics on sex and gender rights, including discrimination protections and equality in work and public life.
Featured resources
What we're doing
Learn how we're promoting gender equality through advocacy and initiatives that promote equality and challenge discrimination.
Haven't found what you're looking for?
If you're looking to understand issues affecting LGBTQIA+ communities, visit the LGBTIQA+ rights section.
Have you experienced discrimination by an employer?
The action you can take
You may want to deal with the situation yourself by raising it directly with the person or people involved. If this does not resolve the situation, or you do not feel comfortable doing this, you can make a complaint to the Commission.
Submit a concern to us
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Tell us about any concerns you have with an organisation or business not complying with the positive duty.
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The Commission inquires into and helps resolve complaints about discrimination and breaches of human rights.
Sexual harassment prevention training
Learn to identify, prevent, and respond to work-related sexual harassment.
Support and services
National
If you feel unsafe now, phone 000.
You can contact police regarding any sexual harassment, sexual assault or bullying that involves criminal conduct.
If you are participating in the Independent Review into Commonwealth Parliamentary Workplaces and at any stage become distressed or require additional support from someone not involved in the Review, please call the Commonwealth Parliamentary Workplace telephone support line on 1800 274 778.
Callers who are deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment can contact the National Relay Service (NRS) by calling 1800 555 677 or 1300 555 727 (speak and listen) then asking for the relevant support service.
Callers from a non-English speaking background can use the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) by calling 13 14 50.
If you have experienced harassment, or are being bullied for discriminatory reasons, you may be able to make a complaint to the Commission.
If you have experienced sexual assault and feel you would like to make a complaint or report to the police, view the relevant state and territory police contacts.
More support and services
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