AustraliaA real estate agent refused to show a property to a single mother. Is this sex discrimination?
Yes, refusing to show a property to a single mother because she is a woman or a parent may be unlawful sex discrimination under Australian federal and state anti-discrimination laws.
What the Law Says
Australian law prohibits discrimination in the provision of goods, services and facilities — including real estate services — on the basis of sex, marital or relationship status, pregnancy, or parental status.
The Sex Discrimination Act 1984 (Cth) makes it unlawful to discriminate against a person on the ground of their sex, marital status, pregnancy, or potential pregnancy. Section 22 specifically prohibits discrimination in the provision of goods, services and facilities — which includes residential property viewings and sales.
The Act also protects people from discrimination based on 'family responsibilities', which includes caring for children. A single mother is protected both as a woman and as a person with parental responsibilities.
In New South Wales, the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW) similarly prohibits discrimination on grounds of sex, marital or domestic status, and responsibility for the care of a child. Section 24 makes it unlawful to refuse to provide a service — such as showing a property — on any of these grounds.
Statutory TextIt is unlawful for a person to discriminate against another person on the ground of the other person’s sex, marital status, pregnancy or potential pregnancy...
— Sex Discrimination Act 1984 (Cth), s. 22 — Goods, services and facilities
Statutory TextA person must not, on the ground of... sex, marital or domestic status or responsibility for the care of a child, refuse or fail to provide... any goods or services...
— Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW), s. 24 — Provision of goods and services
What to Do
Contact the real estate agency in writing to request an explanation and ask for the viewing to be rescheduled.
Lodge a complaint with the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) within 6 months of the incident.
Alternatively, lodge with your state anti-discrimination body (e.g., NSW Anti-Discrimination Board) — time limits and processes vary by state.
Keep records: dates, names, emails, witness statements, and any discriminatory comments made.
Seek free legal advice from community legal centres or the AHRC before proceeding.
Sources
Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.