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Where do I complain - state or federal?

Whether you complain to the South Australian Equal Opportunity Commission or the federal Australian Human Rights Commission depends mostly on the type of discrimination.

Some types of discrimination - such as mental illness, religion or political opinion - are only dealt with by the Australian Human Rights Commission.  Other types of discrimination are covered by both South Australian and federal laws, and complaints may be lodged with either the state or federal body, but not both.

There are some differences between the state and federal jurisdictions that may help you decide where to lodge a complaint.

• There may be differences in time limits for lodging complaints.  Contact us for more information.
• The Australian Human Rights Commission does not have offices in South Australia. Head office is in Sydney, but officers travel interstate when required.
• A complaint lodged with the South Australian Equal Opportunity Commission which is not resolved and is referred to the Equal Opportunity Tribunal, will not attract legal costs for the person making the complaint.  This is not the case in the federal system.
• In cases of indirect discrimination under South Australian law the person complaining has to show that a certain discriminatory requirement was unreasonable.  Under federal law the reverse applies and the person complained about has to show that the requirement was reasonable.

South Australian vs. Federal Law

Related information

How state and federal laws interact
Australian Human Rights Commission website - Complaints information (opens new window)