ACCOMMODATING EVERYONE
An inquiry into whether persons from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and Aboriginal people are being discriminated against on the basis of their race either directly or indirectly in the private housing rental market.
Reports
Accommodating Everyone: An inquiry into whether persons from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and Aboriginal people are being discriminated against on the basis of their race either directly or indirectly in the private housing rental market. 2009.
Accommodating Everyone - report 2009 (pdf)
Accommodating Everyone - Report of Outcomes - March 2011 (pdf)
Accommodating Everyone - Report of outcomes - March 2011 (word)
Background
In 2008 the Commissioner for Equal Opportunity commenced an inquiry into whether people from minority racial groups (in particular Aboriginal and ethnic minority people) experience discrimination (direct or indirect) on the basis of their race in the private rental housing market.
The Inquiry was conducted through submissions from organisations who deal regularly with issues of tenancy and through stories of the individual Aboriginal and ethnic minority people who believe they have suffered less favourable treatment in the private rental housing market Equal Opportunity Commission. The Commissioner also invited comment from any other interested persons or groups, including representatives from the real estate industry.
The inquiry examined the possible causes and appropriate remedies for addressing any race-based discrimination identified in the private rental housing market, including liaison and consultation with the private rental industry where appropriate.
The report of the Inquiry Accommodating Everyone was launched on 22 June 2009.
Implementation
The Commissioner has pursued a number of the recommendations of the report such as direct submission to the Real Estate and Business Agents Supervisory Board about extension to the compulsory anti-discrimination training of Agents and Property Managers and also by making written submission on the proposal for national standardization of residential tenancy databases.
In September 2009 the Commission joined the Monitoring Committee on the Implementation of the recommendations of Accommodating Everyone which was jointly convened by the Office of Multicultural Interests and Dept of Indigenous Affairs. This Committee has a broad representation of relevant State and Commonwealth Government agencies, non-government organizations and real estate industry representation.
The Report of outcomes of the implementation process was released in March 2011.
Publications and related documents
Accommodating Everyone report of the Inquiry 2009 (pdf)
Accommodating Everyone report of outcomes 2011 (pdf) (Word)
These brochures summarise the rights and responsibilities for property agents, owners and tenants are also available.
Discrimination in Accommodation (owners and agents)
Discrimination in Accommodation (renters)