Direct Discrimination
Definition
Direct discrimination happens when a person, or a group of people, is treated less favourably than another person or group because of their background or certain personal characteristics.
Legal Protection
Direct discrimination is unlawful under federal discrimination laws if the discrimination is based on protected characteristics, such as a person’s race, sex, pregnancy, marital status, family responsibilities, breastfeeding, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or intersex status. Some limited exemptions and exceptions apply.
For example: It could be ‘direct age discrimination’ if an older applicant is not considered for a job because it is assumed that they are not as familiar or comfortable with new technology compared with a younger person.
- Employers' Positive Duty requires organisations to be proactive in addressing sex discrimination and sexual harassment.
- Read more about integrating human rights into business practices.
- Explore the Australian Human Rights Commission's Employer hub.
- Review the Good Practice, Good Business fact sheets.