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Media Releases
Are you treated unfairly because you're Aboriginal?
Many types of unfair treatment suffered by Aboriginal people are against the NT Anti-Discrimination Law
If you feel you have been discriminated against or treated unfairly because of your Aboriginality, the Anti-Discrimination Commission may be able to help you.
Aboriginal people are unfairly treated in many areas of life. Using the Anti-Discrimination Commission may be the best way of putting a stop to this.
We can help you if:
- people treat you unfairly when you try to get any goods or services-eg, from shops, banks, government departments, the local council, doctors, hospitals, ambulances, police, discos, pubs, public transport;
- a registered club refuses you membership or entry, treats you unfairly or harasses you when you are on the premises - clubs that sell alcohol are registered clubs;
- a real estate agent, landlord, or landlady refuses to rent or sell you accommodation eg, a house, flat, motel or hotel room, commercial premises;
- people treat you unfairly when you apply for a job or when youČre at work;
- people treat you unfairly when you apply to study at, or are studying at, an educational institution - eg public schools, college, TAFE, university etc;
- you are treated unfairly when you try to take out insurance or join a superannuation scheme.
In the Northern Territory, Aboriginal spiritual beliefs are recognised and you cannot be unfairly treated because of your beliefs.
What can you do if you feel you have been treated unfairly?
If you can, talk with the person or organisation causing the problem. Use whatever help you can. For example, the Aboriginal Legal Aid Service, your local Aboriginal land council or your local Aboriginal medical service may be able to help. If you or they cannot fix the problem, you can complain to us at the Anti-Discrimination Commission.
You, or an organisation on your behalf, can phone (reverse charges from any where in the Northern Territory), write to us or call in to our office for advice.
The Anti-Discrimination Commission treats all discrimination problems confidentially and it will not cost you any money for us to help you. It is also against the law for anyone to hassle or 'victimise' you because you have made a complaint to us.
Some examples of what could happen
Accommodation
An Aboriginal man complains that his application for rental accommodation has not been treated fairly by a real estate agency because he is black. After being approached by the Anti-Discrimination Commission, the agency checks the references provided and offers the Aboriginal man the premises he wants.
Employment
A man working as a linesman's assistant has applied many times over the previous six years for training to become a linesman. Each time his employers have refused him. He suspects the reason is his Aboriginality. After he complains to the Anti-Discrimination Commission, we talk to his employers. They then see things differently and assure the man he will be able to get the necessary training in the near future.
Hotel Service
A hotel refuses to serve an Aboriginal woman and she complains to the Anti-Discrimination Commission. The hotel licensee says the woman was part of a group that had caused a disturbance at the premises six months earlier. However, we are able to help the woman get a public apology and the licensee agrees to cross cultural training for the staff.
Nightclub Entry and Dress Regulations
A nightclub in a country town refuses entry to all Aboriginal people who try to enter, saying they do not meet the dress regulations. Yet, non-Aboriginal people in similar dress are allowed in. Several Aboriginal people complain to the Anti-Discrimination Commission and we are able to help them get financial compensation for the humiliation they suffered.
What will the Anti-Discrimination Commission do?
If what has happened to you is against the law, we will generally try to help you and the person or organisation you are complaining about, to find a private settlement that you both agree on. The settlement will depend on the circumstances of your case. It could be an apology, financial compensation, your job back and so on. Most complaints are settled in this way. If yours is not, the case may be referred to the Commissioner for a formal Hearing, and the Commissioner can make orders including awarding compensation. These orders are enforceable through the Court. However, very few cases need to go to court.
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For further information or advice, contact:
NT Anti-Discrimination Commission
Location
7th Floor, National Mutual Building
9-11 Cavenagh Street
Darwin NT 0800
Postal Address
LMB 22 GPO
Darwin NT 0801
General Enquiries
Telephone: (08) 8999 1444
Freecall: 1800 813 846
Fax: (08) 8981 3812
TTY: 8999 1466
Email: administrationadc@nt.gov.au
