Understanding Discrimination

In Australia, discrimination occurs when someone is treated unfairly or less favourably because of certain personal attributes. It’s important to treat all passengers, colleagues, and members of the community with respect and fairness.

It is illegal to discriminate against people due to:

1. Age – Discriminating based on whether a person is young or old.
   Example: Refusing elderly passengers because they take longer to board.

2. Breastfeeding – Discriminating against breastfeeding or bottle-feeding individuals.
   Example: Asking a breastfeeding woman to leave a vehicle or cover herself.

3. Relationship Status & Family Responsibilities – Discrimination based on marital status or family responsibilities.
   Example: Refusing a fare because a passenger needs to pick up their grandparent.

4. Gender Identity – Discriminating against transgender or non-binary individuals.
   Example: Refusing a fare from a transgender person or making derogatory remarks.

5. Impairment or Disability – Discriminating against people with disabilities, including those using assistance devices.
   Example: Refusing a vision-impaired person travelling with a guide dog.

6. Lawful Sexual Activity – Discriminating based on someone’s lawful employment, including sex work.
   Example: Refusing to transport a sex worker based on their profession.

7. Parental or Carer Status – Discriminating against step-parents, adoptive parents, foster parents, or guardians.
   Example: Refusing to transport someone with children unless there is a safety concern.

8. Political Belief, Affiliation or Activity – Discriminating based on political beliefs or activities.
   Example: Speaking rudely to a passenger because they hold different political views.

9. Pregnancy – Discriminating against pregnant individuals or those perceived to be pregnant.
   Example: Refusing to drive a pregnant woman unless there is a safety concern.

10. Race – Discriminating based on race, skin colour, descent, ethnicity, or nationality.
    Example: Treating an Aboriginal passenger differently from others.

11. Sex – Discriminating based on being male or female.
    Example: Refusing a middle-aged man’s fare but accepting a young woman’s.

12. Sexuality – Discriminating based on sexual orientation (heterosexuality, homosexuality, or bisexuality).
    Example: Refusing a job from a “Gay Day” event because of clients’ sexuality.

13. Trade Union Activity – Discriminating based on trade union membership or involvement.
    Example: Treating a union member differently from a non-member.

14. Association with a Person with These Attributes – Discriminating against someone because of their relationship with a person who has a protected attribute.
    Example: Being rude to a coworker because they have sex worker friends.

15. Profession, Trade, Employment Activity, Occupation or Calling – Discriminating based on a person’s job.
    Example: Refusing to transport someone because they work as a sex worker.

16. Physical Features – Discriminating based on body shape, height, or other physical characteristics.
    Example: Treating a passenger differently as they are overweight.

​

By understanding these attributes, drivers can provide a fair and inclusive service, helping create a positive experience for everyone. Discrimination is not just unfair but also unlawful, so keeping these principles in mind ensures compliance and professionalism.