Perth Discrimination Claims Against Businesses - Contacts

In Perth, Western Australia, individuals who experience discrimination by businesses commonly pursue complaints through state agencies rather than through local bylaw teams. This guide explains which offices handle discrimination claims involving goods and services, the typical enforcement pathways, how to file a complaint, and where to find official forms and contacts in Perth and WA. It focuses on practical next steps for consumers and small businesses, and it references the primary state authority for equal opportunity and the controlling statute that governs discrimination complaints in Western Australia.

Who Handles Discrimination Claims

The principal body for most discrimination complaints in Western Australia is the Equal Opportunity Commission of Western Australia (EOCWA), which manages enquiries, complaint intake and conciliation for matters under state anti-discrimination law ^[1]. The Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (WA) is the controlling statute; it and related regulations set the legal framework for state claims ^[2].

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of discrimination standards against businesses in WA follows a mix of administrative conciliation and, where conciliation fails or where statute allows, application to tribunals or courts. Specific monetary penalties and fixed fines for businesses are not consistently listed on the primary agency pages; see the cited sources for procedural detail.

• Enforcer: Equal Opportunity Commission of Western Australia for intake, conciliation and referrals; final orders or remedies may require tribunal or court action. ^[1]
• Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page.
• Orders and remedies: the Act and agency guidance describe conciliation outcomes and legal applications; exact remedies and amounts are case-specific and not specified on the cited page. ^[2]
• Escalation: initial complaint, conciliation, then application to tribunal or court where available; ranges for first/repeat/continuing offences are not specified on the cited pages.
• Complaint pathway: lodge with EOCWA for assessment and conciliation; the agency publishes contact and complaint intake procedures. ^[1]
• Appeals/review: review and appeal routes depend on the remedy sought and the forum (tribunal or court); time limits for applications are set by statute or tribunal rules and are not specified on the cited pages.

Applications & Forms

The Equal Opportunity Commission publishes instructions for making a complaint and the required complaint intake form on its official website; follow the EOCWA complaint page for the current form name, submission method and any guidance on attachments. ^[1]

Common Violations and Typical Outcomes

• Refusal of service based on race, sex, disability or other protected attribute — remedies usually pursued by conciliation or tribunal application.
• Discriminatory terms or conditions applied to customers — may result in orders to change practices; monetary figures are not specified on the cited pages.
• Harassment or vilification occurring on business premises — complaint and conciliation processes available through EOCWA.

Practical Action Steps

• Document the incident with dates, times, witnesses and copies of any written material or photos.
• Contact the business first where safe and reasonable to try to resolve the issue.
• Lodge a complaint with the Equal Opportunity Commission of Western Australia via the agency complaint page. ^[1]
• Keep records of all communications, and follow EOCWA guidance on conciliation or further legal steps.

FAQ

Who should I contact first if a Perth business discriminates against me?

Contact the Equal Opportunity Commission of Western Australia to report the issue and get information about the complaint process. ^[1]

Can the City of Perth enforce discrimination laws against businesses?

Local councils do not generally enforce state anti-discrimination statutes; the state Equal Opportunity Commission handles discrimination complaints under the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (WA). ^[2]

Are there fixed fines for discrimination by businesses?

Specific fixed fines or penalty amounts are not specified on the cited agency pages; remedies are usually achieved through conciliation or tribunal/court orders. ^[2]

How-To

1. Record the incident: date, time, people involved and any evidence.
2. Try a direct, safe resolution with the business if appropriate.
3. Visit the Equal Opportunity Commission of Western Australia complaint page and follow the published steps to lodge a complaint. ^[1]
4. Participate in conciliation if offered and keep copies of any settlement terms.
5. If conciliation does not resolve the issue, seek information about bringing the matter to the appropriate tribunal or court; consult the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (WA) for statutory processes. ^[2]

Key Takeaways

• Most discrimination claims in Perth are handled at state level through EOCWA, not by local bylaw teams.
• Document incidents and use the EOCWA complaint process as the first formal step. ^[1]

Help and Support / Resources

• Equal Opportunity Commission of Western Australia - official site
• Western Australian legislation - Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (consolidated)
• City of Perth - official council site (contacts and services)
• Australian Human Rights Commission - federal complaints information

1. [1] Equal Opportunity Commission of Western Australia - Make a complaint and guidance
2. [2] Western Australian legislation - Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (WA)