[no bill text published] Higher threshold for offensive behaviour based on attributes
Anti-Discrimination Amendment Bill 2025
Assembly
Links to official parliament websites
Effects of this bill
If this bill passes, it means that:
Conduct is only prohibited if it incites hatred, serious contempt or severe ridicule because of a person's attribute; it no longer includes offending, insulting, humiliating or intimidating.
Individual complainants can request the Commissioner refer an unresolved complaint to the Tribunal for a hearing.
The Commissioner must notify parties of their right to request a Tribunal referral.
The Commissioner must refer a complaint to the Tribunal if the complainant requests it and the complaint was accepted.
The Commissioner must provide the Tribunal and parties with the reasons for accepting a complaint and all assessment information within 60 days of referral.
Religious educational authorities can discriminate in hiring or workplace conduct based on religious belief; this includes preferring employees of the same religion.
Religious educational authorities must publish a written policy explaining the doctrines used for employment preferences and conduct requirements.
The law ends the 'Evaluations' framework for complaints.