Legal Framework - LGBTIQ+ people at work

Since 2013, Australian legislation has offered increasing protections for LGBTIQ+ people at work and in the community.

From 1 August 2013, as a result of amendments to the Sex Discrimination Act 1984 (Cth), it has been unlawful under federal law to discriminate against a person on the grounds of their:

• Sexual orientation
• Gender identity or
• Intersex status.

Same-sex couples are also protected from discrimination under the new definition of ‘marital or relationship status’.

For employers, this means that they are now legally responsible for the actions of their employees and agents that occur in the workplace or in connection with someone’s employment unless they can show that they have taken all reasonable steps to prevent the discrimination from occurring.