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Legislation and Policy

The University recognises its obligations under a range of Commonwealth and State legislation which relates to anti-discrimination and equal opportunity.

The policies and procedures of UNSW are guided by this legislation to ensure that it provides all students with a fair and equitable opportunity to access, fully participate and succeed in their chosen studies.

Legislation

There is a range of legislation in both the Commonwealth and in NSW which relates to the protection of the rights of individuals regardless of their age, sex, culture, religion or disability. These encompass Human Rights, Anti-discrimination and Equal Opportunity legislation.

Commonwealth Legislation

The Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission (HREOC) is the national independent statutory government body responsible for administering federal anti-discrimination and human rights laws including:

  • Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission Act 1986
  • Racial Discrimination Act 1975
  • Sex Discrimination Act 1984
  • Disability Discrimination Act 1992
  • Age Discrimination Act 2004

To support the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) HREOC has formulated Disability Standards for Education (2005) to clarify the obligations of education and training service providers under the DDA and the rights of people with a disability in relation to education and training. The Standards set out how education and training are to be made accessible to students with a disability across the areas of enrolment; participation; curriculum development, accreditation and delivery; student support services; and elimination of harassment and victimisation.

NSW Legislation

The NSW Anti-Discrimination Board (ADB) administers the NSW Anti-Discrimination Act 1977. It promotes anti-discrimination and equal opportunity principles and policies throughout NSW through the handling of complaints under the Act, informing the people of New South Wales about their rights and responsibilities under anti-discrimination laws and advising the Government on discrimination matters.

The Act prohibits discrimination in the following areas

  • Sex discrimination
  • Pregnancy discrimination
  • Race discrimination
  • Age discrimination
  • Marital status discrimination
  • Homosexual discrimination
  • Disability discrimination
  • Transgender (transsexual) discrimination
  • Carers's responsibilities discrimination
  • Discrimination because of who you are related to, or who you associate with
  • Harassment
  • Sexual harassment

The ADB aims to prevent both direct and indirect discrimination and aims to prevent victimisation and vilification.


Student Equity and Disabilities Unit, UNSW Sydney NSW 2052, Australia
Tel +61 2 9385 4734  |  Fax +61 2 9385 6262  |  Email: seadu@unsw.edu.au
CRICOS Provider Code 00098G  |  ABN 57 195 873 179  |  Authorised by: The Director
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