Equal Opportunity in Provision of Accommodation

Monash University has adopted an equal opportunity policy based on State and Federal legislation which aims to eliminate discrimination on the following grounds:

• Race, colour, national or ethnic origin, nationality;
• Sex or gender, lawful sexual activity, marital status, pregnancy or potential pregnancy, breastfeeding, status as a parent or carer;
• Religious or political belief or activity, industrial activity;
• Age, physical features, disability (past, present or imputed), medical record;
• Personal association with a person who is identified by reference to any of the above listed attributes; and
• on any other grounds which the Monash University Council shall after due consideration determine to be a basis of discriminatory practice.

The legislation applies to the provision of accommodation as well as to education and employment and proscribes sexual harassment as well as unlawful discrimination. A person unlawfully discriminates when they rely on one of the grounds listed above to decide whether to accept another person's application for accommodation. It would also be unlawful discrimination if one of these factors were taken into account to vary the terms upon which applications are accepted or to place an application in a lower order of preference. Similarly, it would be unlawful discrimination to deny, or limit access to, any benefit connected with the accommodation or to evict a person because of one of the listed attributes.

There are some exceptions which might apply to the University - for example, if the accommodation were provided by the University for students of a particular sex.

A person with a child may be refused accommodation if the design or location is unsuitable or inappropriate for children.

Special provisions apply to people with disabilities. For example, a person who relies on a guide dog for assistance must be allowed to keep the guide dog in their room. Reasonable adjustments to premises may be needed to make them suitable for a person with a disability. Extra support may be provided for people with disabilities to enable them to live independently.

In deciding from a number of applications for accommodation, it is best to work out some criteria in advance. Check to make sure that none of the prohibited grounds are being used to make selections, either directly or indirectly. If an interview is held, decide on the major questions in advance, making sure they relate to the criteria and not to any of the prohibited grounds.

Endorsed by the Equal Opportunity Committee at its Meeting 4/95 held on 13 September, 1995 (Revised 2005)