If your complaint is covered by the Human Rights Act and you decide to make a complaint to the Human Rights Commission, it will be given to a complaints officer who will contact you and the person you are complaining about. A complaints officer will discuss with you which process may be more appropriate. You will be kept well informed throughout the process and you can stop the process at any time. If your complaint is unable to be resolved it could be referred to an independent body called the Complaints Review Tribunal. The Commission s lawyers will represent you and this service is free.
Any person involved in the complaints process is protected from victimisation.
It is unlawful to treat someone unfavourably because they have made a complaint to the Human Rights Commission. To qualify, you must work at least 10 hours a week and have been in your job for at least 12 months prior to the expected date of delivery. Parents who adopt are also entitled to parental leave. Leave under the Parental Leave and Employment Protection Act 1987 is unpaid. However, your employment contract may provide for paid leave.