January 2026
Aisha* is a Muslim woman who wears a hijab. She applied for a job and was invited to attend an in-person interview.
While Aisha was waiting for the interviewer to arrive, she got up to use the bathroom. When she passed the interview room she overheard the receptionist state: I’m not sure this one will be a good fit, she’s hidden behind a head scarf.
During her interview, Aisha raised her concerns regarding the comment she had overheard but the interviewer dismissed them and told her not to worry about it. The interviewer said she would be in touch to arrange a second interview, but Aisha never received a follow-up call or email.
Aisha lodged a complaint of race discrimination and religious vilification with Anti-Discrimination (ADNSW). ADNSW investigated the matter by speaking with Aisha and seeking a written response from the company.
The matter was resolved without the need for a conciliation conference. The company agreed to pay Aisha compensation, and this resolved her complaint.
*Name has been changed to protect the privacy of the individual.
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