Discrimination at work doesn’t always look the way you expect. Sometimes it’s obvious: like being harassed for your religion or denied a promotion because you’re pregnant. But often, it’s more subtle: being excluded from key meetings, held to different standards than your colleagues, or overlooked for opportunities you’re qualified for. 

Whether it’s blatant or indirect, discrimination in the workplace may be against the law and legal help is available. 

What does workplace discrimination mean? 

Discrimination at work happens when a person is treated unfairly because of a protected attribute such as their sex, age, race, disability, pregnancy, or caring responsibilities. 

This can include situations where: 

• You’re denied a promotion because you’ve recently had a baby 

• You’re disciplined for behaviour that’s tolerated in others 

• You’re given fewer shifts after disclosing a disability or mental health condition 

• You’re harassed or made to feel uncomfortable because of your gender, religion, or identity 

• A workplace policy unfairly disadvantages people from a particular background 

It doesn’t need to be loud, aggressive or intentional to be unlawful. And the behaviour doesn’t have to come from your boss. It could be from a coworker, a customer, or a client — what matters is whether it causes disadvantage based on who you are. 

You can read more about workplace discrimination on the Fair Work Ombudsman website. 

What are your rights? 

In Victoria, both state and federal laws protect you from discrimination at work. You have the right to: 

• Be treated fairly and equally, regardless of your background or identity 

• Request flexible work arrangements if you’re eligible 

• Take parental, carer’s or sick leave without being punished 

• Make a complaint about discrimination without being fired, bullied or threatened for doing so 

The Fair Work Act and Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic) outline protections that apply across different types of jobs — including full-time, part-time, casual, contract and gig work. 

You don’t have to figure out whether your experience meets the legal definition. That’s where legal help can make a difference. 

Can the Working Women’s Centre Victoria help? 

If you’ve experienced discrimination at work and it may be a legal issue, we may be able to help. 

The Working Women’s Centre Victoria provides free and confidential legal help for women and non-binary people working anywhere in Victoria. We can: 

• Help you understand if what’s happened is unlawful 

• Talk you through your rights and legal options 

• Support you to take the next step — if and when you’re ready 

You don’t need to be sure it’s unlawful before contacting us. If you’re experiencing something at work that feels wrong and may relate to who you are, we encourage you to reach out. We can help if it’s a legal issue. If it’s not, we’ll do our best to connect you with someone who can. 

Not sure if you’re ready? 

Many people feel nervous about speaking up. You might be worried about your job, your visa, or how your employer will react You don’t have to take any action you don’t choose to, and we won’t do anything without your permission. 

Talking to a lawyer in a safe, confidential setting can help you understand your rights and decide what to do next. 

We’re here to help any woman or non-binary person working anywhere in Victoria – even if you live in regional or remote areas. We can also organise an interpreter if you need. 

Contact us today: 
Visit www.wwcvic.org.au 
Call 1800 WWC VIC (1800 992 842), Mon–Fri 9am–3pm