Investigates and conciliates complaints concerning three main problem areas: discrimination, sexual harassment and racial and religious vilification. The Commission deals with discrimination on the basis of actual or assumed age, breastfeeding, carer status, disability/impairment, gender identity, industrial activity, lawful sexual activity, marital status, parental status, physical features, political belief or activity, pregnancy, race, religious belief or activity, sex, sexual orientation or personal association. Personal association is relevant where a person has suffered detriment due to their association with somebody who has one of the aforementioned protected attributes.

You or a friend, either in writing or by telephone, can make complaints. It is a free, impartial, simple and confidential service. The Commission is neither a tribunal nor a court. They assist people in resolving complaints through mutual agreement. If the Commission decides that the complaint does not have substance, or cannot be conciliated, you can take the complaint to the Anti-Discrimination List at the Victorian Civil Administration Tribunal (VCAT) where the complaint enters the public domain (see below).

The Tribunal deals with disputes from people who believe they have been discriminated against in such areas as accommodation, employment and education or have been a victim of sexual harassment. Complaints must first be taken to VEOHRC (see entry above) and, if you are dissatisfied with the outcome, the complaint can then be referred to the Anti-Discrimination List. This must occur within 60 days after the decision by the VEOHRC. Application forms for the Anti-Discrimination List are available from VCAT or they can be downloaded from their website. The Anti-Discrimination section of the website also contains a wealth of information that explains the procedures involved in the Anti-Discrimination List

The VLA Human Rights and Civil Law Service provides free legal advice about discrimination. Legal representation may also be available for discrimination and equal opportunity matters. See a fuller description of services and contact under 'Lawyers', below.