Human Rights Legislation
Human Rights is about recognition and respect for the dignity of people.

Representatives of many countries and peoples of the world have agreed on the standards for such recognition and respect.

There are written policies to protect some specific human rights, such as political rights, refugees’ rights and children’s rights, as well as several Acts of Law about the rights of people in minority groups.

Human Rights also covers the field of employment because it is against the law to be discriminated against in many areas of public life, including discrimination in employment. 

If you are denied employment, are dismissed, denied promotion or any employment benefits, given less or poorer employment conditions or denied equal access to training because you are Deaf or hard of hearing, or because you belong to another minority group, then that might be discrimination.

Principles of Multiculturalism
In providing service to Deaf people as a distinct linguistic minority group, the Deaf Society Employment Service follows the Principles of Multiculturalism which are enshrined in State law and which confirm the right and obligation of individuals in NSW to:
“Respect the culture, language and religion of others (within a legal and constitutional framework where English is the common language); and, recognise and promote the linguistic and cultural assets of a particular community”.

More Information
If you want to get more information or to make a complaint about discrimination, contact the Australian Human Rights Commission (formerly Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commision, known as HREOC).

To see the Australian Human Rights Commission’s summary information about the Disability Discrimination Act 1992, click here.

To download the most recent amendment of the Disability Discrimination Act 1992, click here.

In NSW, Equal Employment Opportunity is the responsibility of the NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet.  To view their information and legislation, click here.