Age discrimination

The Age Discrimination Act 2004 makes it unlawful to discriminate on the basis of age in a number of areas of public life. These areas include employment, access to goods and premises, services and facilities, as well as the administration of Commonwealth laws and programs, education, accommodation, and requests for information.

The Age Discrimination Act helps to promote positive attitudes about the contributions that both younger and older people make to society. The Act also allows benefits and other assistance to be given to people of a certain age in recognition of their individual circumstances.

Before 23 June 2006 there was a general exemption from the Age Discrimination Act for all Commonwealth Acts, regulations, schemes and programs. The Age Discrimination Amendment Act 2006 amended  the Act to limit and clarify those exemptions.

Complaints of age discrimination

The Department does not handle complaints of age discrimination. If you have a discrimination complaint, contact the Australian Human Rights Commission.

Level 8, Piccadilly Tower
133 Castlereagh Street
SYDNEY NSW 2000
Telephone: (02) 9284 9600
Complaints Infoline: 1300 656 419
www.humanrights.gov.au

The Commission can also provide more information about the Age Discrimination Act.

International obligations

The Political Declaration adopted in Madrid, Spain on 12 April 2002 by the Second World Assembly on Ageing reflects the international commitment to eliminate age discrimination. The declaration covered three main priority directions. These directions included older persons and development, advancing health and well-being into old age, and ensuring enabling and supportive environments.

Reflecting this commitment the Age Discrimination Act aims to respond to demographic change by removing barriers to older people participating in society, particularly in the workforce, and changing negative stereotypes about older people.