What is discrimination?
(NSW DET Draft Anti-Discrimination Policy 2002)
Discrimination
Discrimination means treating someone unfairly and or differently because they happen to belong to or are perceived to belong to a particular group of people. 
Direct discrimination 
Direct discrimination means treatment that is unfair or unequal and directed at a particular group of people or individuals belonging to that group. 
Examples of direct discrimination could include arranging bus travel, without an alternative, for a school excursion, thereby excluding a student with a mobility disability who cannot board the bus, or school uniform requirements which could be in conflict with ethno-religious beliefs and practices 
Indirect discrimination
Indirect discrimination is treatment that, although appearing to be fair and not directed at any particular group, has the effect of producing unequal outcomes. Indirect discrimination may arise from the policies, rules, procedures, practices and culture of an institution or system — hence the term systemic or institutional discrimination. 
Examples of indirect discrimination include failure to provide support services to ensure that all individuals are able to access a service or participate in a program. 
Affirmative discrimination
Anti-discrimination legislation allows for exemptions from the legislation in certain circumstances. Employers and educators are allowed to put affirmative measures in place in favour of individuals or groups who have been disadvantaged in the past. 

NSW Anti-Discrimination Act (1977) 
http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/nsw/consol_act/aa1977204/  
This Act and subsequent amendments make it against the law to discriminate against or harass others on the following grounds: 
•	age 
•	carers' responsibilities 
•	disability (including living with HIV/AIDS) 
•	homosexuality 
•	marital status 
•	race (including colour, ethnic or ethno-religious background, nationality or descent) 
•	sex (including pregnancy) 
•	transgender (transsexuality). 
It is also against the law to discriminate against or harass others on the basis of who a person is related to, or with whom they associate. 
Federal & State Law:
Australian legislation and International law http://www.racismnoway.com.au/library/legislation/  
Summary of human rights, anti-discrimination and equal opportunity legislation in Australia http://www.hreoc.gov.au/info_for_employers/law/index.html