The Australian Psychological Society (APS) was pleased to be able to provide a response to the Review of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 (Qld), focused on the psychological aspects and implications of the proposed legislation. Discrimination is psychologically damaging, both for victims and for bystanders and the APS denounces discrimination in any form and supports the review and optimisation of anti-discrimination legislation to protect all Australians, particularly those from ‘at risk’ and vulnerable groups. The APS response focussed on:
· The psychological harm of discrimination – it is well established in the scientific literature that discrimination is related to both poor mental health and negative health outcomes. In addition, evidence suggests that cumulative exposure to discrimination is particularly challenging and damaging to mental health and wellbeing. There is also a particular need to understand the impact of intersectional discrimination.
· The pervasive nature of subtle or ‘everyday discrimination’ - There is growing evidence highlighting the importance of subtle or ‘ambiguous’ forms of discrimination in predicting mental (ill) wellbeing. There is convincing evidence that covert discrimination is at least as damaging as overt discrimination in a range of psychological, physical and work-related domains
· Therapeutic or remedial benefits of discrimination complaint procedures - Despite the pervasiveness of discrimination, it is well established that a large proportion is often not recognised and/or reported. Critically, the interpersonal consequences for those who do file a complaint are confronting and often lead to poor outcomes.
· Focus on prevention and community awareness - Social expectations and stereotypes are believed to underpin discriminatory behaviour. Change, requires challenging attitudes and underlying beliefs held commonly throughout Australia. There is a need for evidence-based approaches to preventing and addressing discrimination on a broad social scale.
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