Skye Webb, Human Rights solicitor, Legal Aid NSW

In some cases, we can assist our clients to make complaints to Anti-Discrimination NSW, the Australian Human Rights Commission, the Fair Work Commission or other organisations. 

People can also apply to Legal Aid for representation in discrimination or sexual harassment matters which have progressed to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal or the Federal Court.

We have specialist teams who are experts in discrimination law, including our Employment Law Team, the Human Rights Team and the Respect at Work Legal Service. The Respect at Work Legal Service is a relatively new service, with a focus on discrimination and sexual harassment in the workplace.

We also have a discrimination toolkit available on our website, which explains some of the key elements of discrimination law and contains information about how and where to make a complaint.

What topics do people commonly ask for advice about?

We commonly receive enquiries related to discrimination and sexual harassment in the workplace, and discrimination that occurs when people are accessing or trying to access services and facilities. We also receive enquiries related to discrimination by government agencies in the exercise of their powers. We can give advice about discrimination in all of these different contexts to our clients. 

When should someone who has experienced discrimination, or who has had a complaint made against them, seek legal advice?

We encourage anyone who feels they have been discriminated against or treated unfairly to seek legal advice. While not all unfair treatment will amount to unlawful discrimination, I think it is important that people receive advice about the legal options available to them so that they can make an informed decision about the next steps they take.

There are time limits to make complaints about discrimination and sexual harassment so it is important to seek as advice as soon as you can.

What's your role, and what do you enjoy most about it?

I am a solicitor in the Human Rights Team at Legal Aid NSW. My areas of specialty include discrimination and tort claims against government authorities. As part of my role, I provide one-off advice and assistance to clients, as well as represent people in complaints to Anti-Discrimination NSW and the Australia Human Rights Commission. I also represent clients in tribunal and court proceedings.

I would say that what I find the most rewarding is working with my clients to tell their stories in a way that I hope they find empowering, and by doing so, achieve outcomes which they believe are worthwhile.

View the Memorandum of Understanding between ADNSW and Legal Aid NSW.