South Australian law does not cover this ground of discrimination, and Commonwealth laws applying in South Australia cover discrimination on this ground in the area of work.

The law is not clear about what this type of discrimination covers, but it could cover a person’s social class, family background and local origin.

Legislation:

Commonwealth law

In Commonwealth law, it is unlawful to treat a person unfavourably in their work because of their social origin. This includes refusing to hire them, hiring them on less favourable terms, denying them access to any benefits that go with the job, dismissing them or subjecting them to other adverse treatment. Commonwealth law does not cover this type of discrimination in any other area apart from the workplace.

Complaints

The Fair Work Commission can accept claims about discrimination in work on the ground of social origin [s 351]. See the Employment chapter on protected workplace rights: General Protections.

The Australian Human Rights Commission can also accept such complaints but cannot take them beyond the stage of conciliation. It can report about them to the Federal Attorney-General.