Ash and Tai’s story
Ash and Tai are two teens who were targeted by security because they are Aboriginal. We explain how the Equal Opportunity Act relates to their situation, and how the Commission can help people who have a similar experience.
'The security guard didn’t stop anyone else, and the boys knew that the only reason he stopped them was because they’re Aboriginal.'
Ash and Tai were visiting a local shopping centre with their friends. As they were leaving one of the shops, the security guard singled Ash and Tai out from their group of friends for a bag search. The security guard didn’t stop anyone else, and the boys knew that the only reason he stopped them was because they’re Aboriginal.
The family of Ash and Tai arranged to meet with the store manager to call out their different treatment. She was happy to talk to the families and boys but said that without CCTV footage, there was nothing she could do.
Together with their families, Ash and Tai made a complaint of race discrimination to the Commission and said that they had been racially profiled by the security guard for a bag search. The store manager agreed to attend a conciliation session and they were able to reach an agreement. The store manager agreed to apologise to Ash and Tai for what the security guard did and agreed to pay some compensation. She also agreed to run First Peoples’ cultural awareness training for store staff to help them understand racial bias and profiling, discrimination and the harm it causes.
Ash and Tai were really pleased they spoke up.
The incidents portrayed in this story are inspired by real life situations.
How does the law apply to Ash and Tai’s situation?
In Victoria, it’s against the law for you to be discriminated against, harassed or bullied because of your race.
Under the Equal Opportunity Act, race includes colour, descent or ancestry, nationality or ethnic background, or any characteristics people might associate with a particular race. The Act applies to many different parts of public life, including accommodation, provision of goods and services, and employment.
You can make a complaint
Get help from us.
You can make a complaint to us if you think you have experienced:
If you wish, someone else can make a complaint for you. Find out how we help people resolve complaints.
We can also give you information about your rights.
Victoria’s Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities also protects the distinct cultural rights of First Nations peoples. This means public authorities must not deny First Nations peoples the right to enjoy their identity and culture, use their language or maintain their distinctive spiritual, material and economic relationship with Victoria’s land and waters.
More information
- Find out more about race discrimination and vilification
- Find out more about where discrimination can occur
