What does the law say?
This story is part of the Inclusive employment series. Equality of opportunity in employment is enshrined in federal and state legislation in Australia. Businesses that discriminate against a person in employment because of a disability may be breaking the law. This covers all aspects of employment, from recruitment through to career progression. Some basic familiarisation can demystify the legal requirements and inform the development of more inclusive policies and procedures. Having an understanding of your obligations under the law is important regardless of where your business is up to in its diversity journey. Disability Discrimination Act 1992. The Disability Discrimination Act 1992 makes it unlawful to discriminate against a person because of a disability in many areas of public life including employment, education, obtaining services and accessing public places. According to the Australian Human Rights Commission, to be covered by the act, a disability may be temporary or permanent and can include intellectual and physical disabilities, learning disabilities, sensory or behavioural disabilities, workplace injuries, medical conditions and diseases or illnesses. The act provides protections for people with a disability from discrimination in employment and specifies rules covering employees, commission agents and contract workers. There are also provisions for employment agencies.