Step 2a - Have a person lodge a complaint on your behalf
It is possible for a person to lodge a complaint of discrimination, sexual harassment or racial or religious vilification on behalf of themselves and another person or a group of people. These kinds of complaints are known as representative complaints. (see also Amended EO Act)
The Commission can accept a representative complaint from a person if:
- There is a basis for the complaint (see About the Equal Opportunity Act)
- The complaint relates to essentially the same conduct or set of circumstances
- The people alleging the unfair treatment are identified by name and have consented to the complaint being made on their behalf
For example, a female employee may lodge a complaint of sex discrimination on behalf of herself and her female co-workers about a workplace policy that states only men can be considered for senior management positions.
OR
For example, a breastfeeding mother may lodge a complaint of discrimination on behalf of herself and other members of a new mothers group against a café for asking them to leave when they breastfed their babies.
