Government & Public Law
Human rights lawyers act in discrimination complaints and rights-based claims.
Complaints can go to federal or state bodies, depending on the attribute and area of life.
Discrimination limits people's access to work, services and housing. Complaints can lead to compensation and change.
Federal discrimination laws are administered by the Australian Human Rights Commission, and each state has its own anti-discrimination body. Victoria, Queensland and the ACT also have human rights charters.
30 firms
Carnarvon, WA · Pilbara & Kimberley
Aboriginal Legal Service of WA provides legal services in Carnarvon, WA. Listed practice areas include Human Rights & Discrimination and Partner & Family Visas.
Perth Cbd, WA · Perth CBD
Allen & Overy provides legal services in Perth Cbd, WA. Listed practice areas include Litigation & Dispute Resolution, Business & Commercial Law and Insolvency & Restructuring.
South Townsville, QLD · Townsville & North Queensland
Anderson Fredericks Turner provides legal services in South Townsville, QLD. Listed practice areas include Human Rights & Discrimination, Partner & Family Visas and Child Protection & Care Matters.
Newstead, TAS · Launceston & North
Chris Hill Lawyers provides legal services in Newstead, TAS. Listed practice areas include NDIS & Disability Law and Human Rights & Discrimination.
Surry Hills, NSW · Sydney CBD
Tenants' Union of NSW provides legal services in Surry Hills, NSW. Listed practice areas include Residential Tenancy, Domestic Violence & AVOs and Human Rights & Discrimination.
Camperdown, NSW · Eastern Suburbs & Inner West
Tim Young & Associates provides legal services in Camperdown, NSW. Listed practice areas include Partner & Family Visas and Human Rights & Discrimination.
Understand the next step
Describe the conduct, setting, relevant dates and outcome sought. Different state and federal processes may need consideration based on the actual facts.
Ask about available remedies and process before assuming every unfair experience is covered by the same law.
Keep the complete notice, reasons and review information. Record when and how the decision was received.
Ask whether internal review, a tribunal, complaint or court process is available. The Administrative Review Tribunal reviews specified Commonwealth decisions, not every government matter.
Identify evidence relevant to the disputed findings and ask how the agency file can be obtained. Clarify the result the reviewer can provide.
Clarify charges for advice, submissions, appearances and reports. Ask about legal aid or specialist assistance where appropriate.
Ask for a written scope identifying the work you are authorising, the person responsible and when costs will be reviewed. If you only want advice on one step, say so before the firm begins wider work.
Give the decision and receipt dates immediately. A general complaint may not preserve an opportunity to seek formal review.
Directory guidance updated 19 September 2026. General information to help you prepare for a conversation with a professional; not advice about your individual matter. Check current requirements with the relevant authority.
Good to know
Including race, sex, disability, age, and others under federal and state laws.
Ask for an internal review first. If you're still unhappy, you can apply to the Administrative Review Tribunal. Free advocacy services are available as well as private lawyers.
Yes. Complaints can go to the Australian Human Rights Commission or your state's anti-discrimination body, depending on the type of discrimination and where it happened.