Appeal Discrimination Findings - Perth Law

Civil Rights and Equity Western Australia 3 Minutes Read · published February 11, 2026 Flag of Western Australia

In Perth, Western Australia, individuals or organisations that receive a discrimination finding can seek review or appeal through state processes; the Equal Opportunity Commission handles complaints and the State Administrative Tribunal may hear applications about decisions and remedies.[1][3]

Understanding the process

The usual pathway begins with lodging a complaint with the Equal Opportunity Commission (EOC) for conciliation and investigation. If conciliation fails or a formal decision is made, statutory appeal or review options may be available under the Equal Opportunity Act. Consult the EOC for case-specific steps and available remedies.[1][2]

Start early: lodge your complaint promptly and preserve documents and correspondence.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement for unlawful discrimination in Western Australia is governed by the Equal Opportunity Act and administered through the Equal Opportunity Commission and, where applicable, tribunal or court processes.

  • Fines and monetary penalties: not specified on the cited page.[2]
  • Escalation: details on first, repeat or continuing offence ranges are not specified on the cited page.[2]
  • Non-monetary sanctions: orders for remedies, apologies or injunctions may be sought through tribunal or court—specific orders depend on the decision-maker and are not fully listed on the cited pages.[2]
  • Enforcer and complaint pathway: Equal Opportunity Commission handles complaints; State Administrative Tribunal handles applications and reviews where permitted.[1][3]
  • Appeal/review routes and time limits: the cited tribunal and EOC pages do not state a single universal time limit; check the specific decision notice or contact the relevant office for deadlines.[3]
  • Defences and discretion: statutory defences or exemptions and discretion for reasonable excuse or permits may apply under the Act; specific defences are set out in the legislation and not fully enumerated on the general guidance page.[2]
If you receive a formal finding, note any time limits on the decision notice and seek advice promptly.

Applications & Forms

The Equal Opportunity Commission provides complaint lodgement information and a complaint form; fees for lodging a complaint are not specified on the EOC guidance page.[1]

Applications to the State Administrative Tribunal use the SAT application forms and fee schedule available from SAT; specific fees and form names should be confirmed on the SAT site or by contacting SAT directly.[3]

Action steps

  • Gather written evidence, contracts, emails and witness details before lodging a complaint.
  • Lodge with the Equal Opportunity Commission using the official complaint form and follow conciliation procedures.[1]
  • If a formal decision is issued and review options are available, prepare an SAT application and check any statutory deadline on the decision notice or SAT guidance.[3]
  • Contact the EOC for process guidance and SAT registry for application logistics and fees.[1][3]

FAQ

How do I start an appeal of a discrimination finding in Perth?
Begin by reviewing the decision notice and lodging a complaint or request for review with the Equal Opportunity Commission, then follow guidance for conciliation or tribunal application as applicable.
Are there fees to appeal?
Fees for lodging complaints or tribunal applications vary; the cited pages do not list a single universal fee and you should check the specific EOC or SAT fee page.[1][3]
How long do I have to appeal?
Time limits depend on the decision and statutory rules; the cited guidance pages do not specify a universal deadline, so confirm timelines with the issuing body.

How-To

  1. Collect evidence and make notes of dates, witnesses and communications.
  2. Complete and lodge the EOC complaint form following the instructions on the EOC site.[1]
  3. Attend conciliation or mediation if offered and keep records of outcomes.
  4. If conciliation fails, prepare an application to the State Administrative Tribunal where available and pay any applicable fee.[3]

Key Takeaways

  • Start with the Equal Opportunity Commission for conciliation and guidance.
  • Tribunal review may be available, but check deadlines and form requirements immediately.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Equal Opportunity Commission Western Australia - Make a complaint
  2. [2] Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (WA) - legislation.wa.gov.au
  3. [3] State Administrative Tribunal - Apply

Categories

General Governance and Administration Public Safety Public Health and Welfare Land Use and Zoning Housing and Building Standards Transportation Environmental Protection Parks and Public Spaces Business and Consumer Protection Taxation and Finance Labor and Employment Education Civil Rights and Equity Elections and Campaign Finance Events and Special Uses Signs and Advertising Utilities and Infrastructure Technology and Data