Australia's RDA prohibits discrimination on grounds of race, colour, descent, or national or ethnic origin. Section 18C also makes it unlawful to publicly offend or intimidate someone on racial grounds. Complaints go to the AHRC.
The Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (Cth) gives effect to Australia's obligations under the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD). It makes it unlawful to discriminate against a person on the ground of their race, colour, descent, or national or ethnic origin in: employment; accommodation; provision of goods and services; access to places; and exercise of rights. **Section 18C**: It is also unlawful to do an act in public that is reasonably likely to offend, insult, humiliate, or intimidate a person or group because of race or national origin. **Section 18D**: Exemptions apply for fair comment, academic or artistic work, and reporting of matters of public interest. Complaints must be lodged with the AHRC within 6 months. The AHRC conciliates. For employment discrimination on race grounds, you can also complain to the Fair Work Commission under the Fair Work Act general protections provisions.
An employer tells a job applicant of African descent he is not suitable for a customer-facing role because of how he 'looks'. The applicant lodges a complaint with the AHRC for racial discrimination in employment. If conciliation fails, the matter proceeds to the Federal Court.
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