Education Discrimination

• Education discrimination is the intentional and purposeful act of preventing an individual from applying and/or enrolling in an educational program. It also includes unfair, biased and isolated treatment in the classroom by students, teachers and administrators. The Australian Human Rights Commission points out that the Australian Age Discrimination Act protects people who seek to enroll in any type of educational institution including university and Australia's Technical and Further Education (TAFE) system.
  
  

Workplace Discrimination

• Probably the most common form of age discrimination, workplace discrimination is also covered under the Australian Age Discrimination Act of 2004. The Australian Human Rights Commission states that anything related to searching for employment, securing employment, maintaining employment and leaving employment is a protected area. This particular law states that an employee must be able to do the functions of the job; however, an Australian cannot be denied employment or promotion based on their age.
  
  

Complaints

• There is a system for filing complaints under the Australian Age Discrimination Act of 2004. Most complaints can be entered online. While the Australian Human Rights Commission prefers all complaints in writing, they make a point of indicating that a verbal complaint can also be filed in any language with the commission. Those needing further assistance are encouraged to contact the Australian Human Rights Commission directly.
  
  

Prevention

• Preventing age discrimination is an important part of the Australian Age Discrimination Act. The Human Rights Commission is committed to creating awareness of the benefits that "mature workers" bring to companies. The Commission also has created various written materials that deal with the stereotypes of ageism and attempt to debunk the myths regarding both the young and the elderly.
  
  

"Positive" Discrimination

• According to the Australian Human Rights Commission, there are instances where age discrimination is allowed, and even encouraged. For example, programs that hire youth workers within a certain age range to create job experiences for teenagers and young adults are acceptable. Certain medical programs, like free flu shots for senior citizens, are also acceptable. Seniors.gov.au points out some exemptions to the Act including pensions, benefits and insurance.