In 2008, the OADC submitted a report to The Hon, David Llewellyn, MHA then Tasmanian Minister for Justice and Attorney-General, made under section 6(a) of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1998: Annual driving tests for drivers aged 85 years and over, advising him that the then current licensing system was discriminatory against older drivers.
As a result of this report, the Department of Infrastructure, Energy and Resources has reviewed the older driver licensing system in Tasmania and made a number of significant changes.
The current Attorney-General The Hon, Brian Wightman, MP in response to a recent request from the Commissioner has now approved release of this report.
Click here to read the OADC's Report from 2008. (Link to Submissions page, scroll to 2008 submissions)
Click here to find out about changes to the Tasmanian older driver licensing system.
The Australian Human Rights Commission recently launched the 'Something in Common' project, which aims to build understanding and respect for human rights in Australia.
Somethingincommon.gov.au website explores the themes of freedom, respect, equality and defending human rights through actions and the sharing of stories.
Tell Me Something I Dont Know.gov.au website provides a series of human rights facts.
Click on these links and get informed and inspired.
The launch of Tasmania’s Human Rights Week and Awards held at the Reception Room, Parliament House, from 12:30–2:00pm Friday 2 December 2011.
Tasmania's Anti-Discrimination Commissioner, Robin Banks, makes comment about PricewaterhouseCoopers report released today, Disability expectations: investing in a better life, a stronger Australia,
‘It is shameful that a country that prides itself with giving people a fair go should fail so spectacularly to do so for people with disability.’
I am pleased to launch the twelfth Annual Report of the work of my office.
It reports on my first year as Commissioner and provides me with an important opportunity to reflect on that year and report on the significant achievements of my office.
Go to Annual Reports page to view latest and previous reports.
On 26 August 2011, Tasmanian Infrastructure Minister David O’Byrne launched The Alternative Older Driver Licensing System for Tasmania Final Report and announced that there would be significant changes to the driver licensing system for older drivers. The current system requires drivers to undertake a compulsory annual medical assessment from the age of 75 and a compulsory annual on-road assessment from the age of 85.
The report found that the current system is discriminatory based on age and that discrimination could not be justified, as research showed that older drivers are safe, there is no evidence that older drivers are more likely to cause a crash and older drivers are under-represented in crash statistics. No evidence supported retaining compulsory annual medical and on-road assessments on the basis of age.
Under the new system, as of October this year, drivers aged 85 years and over will no longer have to have a compulsory on-road assessment. In 2014, compulsory medical assessments for drivers aged 75 years and over will end. The new system will focus on driver self-assessment of their driving skills, with the assistance and support of their family, friends and doctors and a system for reporting drivers who are or may be unsafe because of a medical condition, no matter their age.
The Anti-Discrimination Commissioner is investigating potential breaches of anti-discrimination law affecting organisations seeking insurance for their volunteers. The investigation will examine whether the practice of some insurers to exclude or restrict insurance cover based on age is lawful. As part of the investigation, the Commissioner has released an Issues Paper, which community members are encouraged to contribute to.
The Office of the Anti-Discrimination Commissioner kicks off 2012 with the launch of edition 1 of their new newsletter In respect of rights.
View In respect of rights
Subscribe to In respect of rights
Look for the Office of the Anti-Discrimination Commissioner on facebook and enjoy our regular posts and updates.
January - June 2012 (Word or PDF)
Course descriptors, registration form and expression of interest form
To make a report online, or download the incident report form or the poster, click here http://www.antidiscrimination.tas.gov.au/forms
The Online form can also be used to inform us of a recent incident of discrimination, harassment or inciting hatred that may have happened to you, a friend or relative. This will help us monitor discrimination and prohibited conduct that may be happening out in the Community so we can focus our educational programs to these areas.
If you have been seriously intimidated or harmed you should report this to Tasmania police.
Please note without a formal complaint your enquiry will only be used for the purposes of collecting information.
Be informed before you lodge a complaint. Go to Making a complaint for more information.
Free information sessions are available to schools, non-government, not-for-profit organisations. Fee-for-service corporate training is available to public and private sectors state-wide.
Please contact our office to discuss your training and education needs.
Listen in and be informed about your rights under the Tasmanian Anti-Discrimination Act 1998.
The OADC is continuing an initiative introduced in 2007 with various community radio stations across the State to broadcast anti-discrimination information to the Tasmanian community.
The OADC acknowleges the following participating radio stations who continue to provide their support with regular timeslots:
HOBART FM (96.1 FM)
Mondays at 10.45am
HUON FM (95.3 & 98.5 FM)
Every 2nd Tuesday at 10.40am
Tasman Radio (97.7 FM)
Every 2nd Wednesday at 12:30pm
