Trevor’s taxi driver demands payment upfront
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‘The taxi driver looked at me through the window and said he would only take my job if I paid him upfront.’
Trevor, and Aboriginal man, booked a taxi for a trip to go shopping.
When the taxi stopped and saw him, the driver started to drive off. Trevor waved down the taxi and asked why he was driving off. The taxi driver responded that he would only take him if he paid the fare upfront.
How does the law apply to Trevor’s situation?
Under Victoria’s Equal Opportunity Act it is against the law to discriminate against someone because of their race. Providers of goods and services, including transport services, have a positive duty to eliminate discrimination as far as possible.
Trevor could make a complaint of race discrimination against the taxi driver and service.
What outcomes are available?
If Trevor decides to make a complaint to the Commission, he could ask for outcomes that are important to him and his community. These could include:
- telling his story and being heard
- an acknowledgement of his experience
- an apology made to him or within the community
- being given his job back, a statement of service or a reference
- a promise to change or stop the behaviour
- financial compensation
- cultural awareness training for the taxi driver and service
- new or updated equal opportunity policies for the taxi service
- the taxi service talking publicly (e.g., on social media) about their commitment to ensuring their service is free from discrimination.
Are you in a similar situation?
You can start by contacting us with your enquiry or complaint – we will then take you through your rights and options.
We can listen to your story and provide you with information about your rights under our laws.
We have staff specifically trained to support First Nations peoples make enquiries and complaints.
When you contact us, we will ask if you identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander so that we can provide you with an inclusive and culturally appropriate service.
You can also choose to speak directly to a First Nations staff member if one is available.
This is our tailored approach for First Nations peoples.
You can contact us by
Phone
Call 1300 292 153 – weekdays from 10am–2pm.
Send us an email at complaints@veohrc.vic.gov.au with your issue and whether you would like to speak with a First Nations staff member.
Online complaint form
Send us your complaint through our online complaint form.
Letter
Send us a letter to our address: Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission, Level 3, 204 Lygon Street, Carlton, Victoria 3053
