Conciliation outcomes

There are four possible outcomes from conciliation:

Agreement

Discussion may lead to agreement between both sides. Agreements can include:

• changes to policies and procedures to prevent discrimination
• equal opportunity training
• job re-instatement or a transfer, promotion, training, adjustment to hours, pay or conditions
• access to previously refused accommodation, entry to a club, admission to a course or a loan
• a private or public apology
• compensation for economic loss, damages or injury to feelings.

If both sides agree then the complaint is settled and both the person who made the complaint, and the person complained about, sign a confidential agreement.

There is no liability attached to an agreement reached between the parties.

Examples of the types of agreement reached between parties are available in the complaint summaries section of our website.

Note: these complaint summaries are a guide only and any agreement reached will depend on the unique circumstances of the individual complaint.

The Commissioner for Equal Opportunity confirms in writing that the complaint has been conciliated.

The complaint may also be:

Withdrawn

After further discussion or more information the person who made the complaint may withdraw or not continue with the complaint.

Discontinued

The Equal Opportunity Commissioner may decide not to continue based on the information from both sides.

Referred

If both sides do not reach agreement the person who made the complaint can ask the Commissioner to refer their case to the Equal Opportunity Tribunal. This is a public court hearing that delivers a legal judgement.

Related information

Downloads: 

Conciliation fact sheet (63.18 KB)