WRC finds government department did not engage in prohibited conduct

The WRC found that A Government Department did not engage in prohibited conduct in an Equal Status complaint about the administration of benefits. The complainant, who alleged discrimination on the ground of membership of the Travelling Community, did not attend the hearing; the merits were not decided. The decision, dated 24 April 2024, said sworn evidence was needed to establish facts that could support a presumption of discrimination. The officer refused an adjournment and amended the respondent’s title to the relevant government department.