Legislation

The Commission carries out functions under both the Human Rights Act 2019 and the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991.

Human Rights Act 2019

In February 2019 the Queensland Parliament passed the Human Rights Act. It lists 23 rights to be protected by law, places obligations on public entities to act compatibly with human rights, and provides for a complaint resolution process through the Commission.

Anti-Discrimination Act 1991

In 1991 the Queensland Parliament passed the Anti-Discrimination Act which aims to protect people in Queensland from unfair discrimination, sexual harassment and other objectionable conduct and provides a means to bring a complaint and have it resolved.

Expanded powers

August 2013: The Act was amended to expand the grounds on which the Commissioner may reject or lapse complaints dealt with elsewhere, and to provide a cooling off period for withdrawal of a complaint.

Referral to tribunal

Matters brought under the Anti-Discrimination Act not resolved at the Commission may be referred to a tribunal for hearing and determination.

Queensland Industrial Relations Commission

The Queensland Industrial Relations Commission deals with work-related complaints.

Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal

The Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal deals with all other complaints.