I was refused shared housing because of my Aboriginal heritage. What federal law protects me?

What the Law Says

Federal law in Australia prohibits racial discrimination in housing, including shared housing arrangements.

The Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (Cth) is the main federal law that protects people from being treated unfairly because of their race, colour, descent, or national or ethnic origin — including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage.

Under this law, it is unlawful for a person or organisation to refuse to rent, sell, or share housing with someone on the basis of their race or ethnicity.

The Act applies across all states and territories in Australia and covers private landlords, real estate agents, and shared housing providers — even informal arrangements.

Statutory Text

It is unlawful for a person to do any act involving a distinction, exclusion, restriction or preference based on race, colour, descent or national or ethnic origin which has the purpose or effect of nullifying or impairing the recognition, enjoyment or exercise, on an equal footing, of any human right or fundamental freedom in the political, economic, social, cultural or any other field of public life.

— Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (Cth), s. 9 — Prohibition of racial discrimination

Statutory Text

This Act binds the Crown in each of its capacities.

— Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (Cth), s. 10 — Application of Act

What to Do

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