Dictionary defines discrimination as the unjust or prejudicial treatment of different categories of people, especially on the grounds of race, age, or sex.

The Australian Human Rights Commission defines as follows -

"Discrimination can be against the law if it is based on a person’s:

• age
• disability, or
• race, including colour, national or ethnic origin or immigrant status
• sex, pregnancy, marital or relationship status, family responsibilities or breastfeeding
• sexual orientation, gender identity or intersex status.

Discrimination on these grounds is against the law in a number of areas of public life, including: employment, education, getting or using services or renting or buying a house or unit. Some limited exceptions and exemptions apply.

Employers have a legal responsibility to take all reasonable steps to prevent discrimination on these grounds. Employers can also be liable for the discriminatory acts of their employees. This is called ‘vicarious liability’."