About the Anti-Discrimination Tribunal

The Anti-Discrimination Tribunal was established by the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991.

Functions of the Tribunal

Hear and determine complaints under the Anti Discrimination Act 1991.

The Tribunal hears and determines complaints as to whether the Anti Discrimination Act 1991 ("the Act") has been contravened.

The Act created two entities for the enforcement of its provisions. One of the important functions of the Anti-Discrimination Commission is to inquire into and attempt to conciliate complaints of discrimination, sexual harassment and racial and religious vilification and to carry out investigations into alleged contraventions of the Act. Matters which are not resolved by the Commission may be referred to the Tribunal for hearing and determination.

It is important to note that the Act envisages that the hearings of the Tribunal should not be overly formal or legalistic. In particular, the Tribunal is not bound by the rules of evidence and must act according to equity, good conscience and the substantial merits of the case without regard to technicalities and legal forms.

Hear applications for Exemptions.

The Tribunal may grant an exemption under the Act in certain circumstances for a period of not more than 5 years. The Tribunal may also renew an exemption for a further period of not more than 5 years.

• Table of exemptions granted by the Anti-Discrimination Tribunal Qld. (129 KB)

Provide opinions to the Anti-Discrimination Commissioner.

If requested by the Anti-Discrimination Commissioner, the Tribunal has a discretion to provide an opinion about how the Act applies in a specific situation.

Hear applications for Interim Orders.

The Tribunal hears applications for orders prohibiting a person from doing an act that might prejudice an order that the Tribunal might make after a hearing, or the investigation or conciliation of a complaint.

Review some decisions of the Anti-Discrimination Commissioner.

The Tribunal may grant extensions of time to complainants in certain circumstances before their complaint is referred to the Tribunal, and may review the Commissioner’s decision to lapse a complaint where the Commissioner is of the opinion that a complainant has lost interest in continuing with a complaint.