Sex discrimination case studies

Case studies are provided to help explain the complaints process. They are intended as a guide only and should not be considered or used as legal advice. Outcomes from conciliation vary depending on individual circumstances. Parties to complaints should seek independent legal advice if they require advice about outcomes appropriate to their circumstances. Before lodging a complaint, please speak with an enquiries officer on 1800 670 812.

Employment 

Stood down for not wearing high-cut work boots
May 2024: Maria* is employed as a cleaner and must wear high-cut work boots.
Woman’s clothing inappropriate for work
Jan 2023: Simone received a warning from her employer about her clothing,
Female contractor verbally abused on building site
December 2022: Beth* was the only female contractor on a building site and was verbally abused.
Denied a permanent role to avoid payment of maternity leave
September 2021: Maya* was a female contract worker in a male-dominated workplace.
Restaurant manager makes sexist comments
November 2020: Laura* was employed as a casual worker in a fast-food restaurant.
Woman dismissed but man doing the same thing was not
November 2017: Jane* and Mark* were work colleagues.
Female would not fit in
June 2013: Kate* applied for a driver’s position with a minibus company.

Education

School uniforms for girls
August 2017: Shabnam* attended a girls-only high school & was required to wear a dress or skirt.

Goods and services

Three men refused entry into a bar
November 2020: Neville*, Gary* and Patrick* are three men who wanted to have some drinks at a bar.
Barred from nightclub for being a male
December 2016: Gavin* is a young male who tried to enter a nightclub
Thongs not acceptable for men
July 2013: Greg* is a hotel patron who was refused entry into a hotel for an evening event

Registered clubs 

Women pool players "a joke"
September 2015: Maria* is a member who was refused access to her club's pool and snooker table.

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