STATE (view Office of the Queensland Parliamentary Counsel )
The Queensland Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 aims 'to promote equality of opportunity for everyone by protecting them from unfair discrimination in certain areas of activity and from sexual harassment and certain associated objectionable conduct'. This Act enables complaints of discrimination to be dealt with by the Anti-Discrimination Commission Queensland.
The Discrimination Law Amendment Act 2002 introduced significant changes to the Queensland Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 by adding new attributes (grounds), such as family responsibilities, gender identity and sexuality and extending the range of others. Provisions covering vilification and victimisation have also changed.
COMMONWEALTH (view Table of Contents for Commonwealth Consolidated Legislation)
The
Age Discrimination Act 2004 can be used to address discrimination on the basis of age in many areas of public life. As in other anti-discrimination legislation, the ADA provides for exemptions to its application.
The Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Act 1999 requires employers to develop, implement and review programs that: 
- promote the principle that employment for women should be dealt with on the basis of merit; and
- promote the elimination of discrimination and the provision of equal employment opportunity for women in relation to employment matters among employers; and
- foster workplace consultation between employers and employees on issues concerning equal opportunity for women in relation to employment.
Employers must report annually to the Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Agency, which is empowered to issue guidelines and to monitor reporting.
Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission Act 1986
The Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission was established and constituted under this Act. Its purpose is to ensure that enactments and practices are consistent with human rights incorporated in the International Labour Organisation Conventions, ratified by the Australian Government.
The Commission promotes an understanding and acceptance of human rights in Australia. It is empowered to handle discrimination complaints covered by Federal law. These include discrimination in employment on the grounds of race, colour, sex, religion, political opinions, national extraction or social origin.
Sex Discrimination Act 1984
Under this Act it is unlawful for an employer to discriminate against a person on the grounds of the person's sex, marital status or pregnancy. An employer must not deny or limit employees' access to opportunities for promotion, transfer or training or any other benefits associated with employment; nor subject them to any other detriment. Sexual harassment is illegal under this legislation.
Disability Discrimination Act 1992
This legislation makes it unlawful to discriminate against a person on the grounds of the person's disability under similar conditions to those outlined under the Sex Discrimination Act.
Racial Discrimination Act 1975
'It is unlawful for a person to do any act involving a distinction, exclusion, restriction or preference based on race, colour, descent or national or ethnic origin which has the purpose or effect of nullifying or impairing the recognition, enjoyment or exercise, on an equal footing, of any human right or fundamental freedom in the political, economic, social, cultural or any other field of public life.' Amended by the
Racial Hatred Act 1995.