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(03) 9650 4555 Stories of gender discrimination in the workplace are constantly in the media. The trend of treating someone unfavourably because of their gender identity remains quite prevalent in workplaces across sectors. Females have been disproportionately represented in this category, making up 78 per cent of sex discrimination complainants according to the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) between 2018 to 2019.
There are several gender stereotypes used to motivate conduct against employees, and these gender assumptions, known as ‘imputed characteristics’, may also be discrimination based on gender.
It is unlawful for a person to discriminate against another on the ground of their gender identity. This applies if the discrimination occurs because of:
- the employee’s gender identity;
- a characteristic that applies generally to a person with the same gender identity as the employee; or
- a characteristic that is generally imputed to persons with the same gender identity as the employee.
Australian workers are protected by these provisions regardless of if they are intersex or transsexual. It has also been found that sexual harassment can constitute sex discrimination. Even though harassment implies some form of repetition, generally one act of sex discrimination may be sufficient.
We Listen To You
Get in touch with the employment lawyer who has acted for thousands of employees like you.
We offer a fast,
efficient and affordable service which is highly personalised.
efficient and affordable service which is highly personalised.
The McDonald Murholme team is headed by Mr Alan McDonald.
Contact Us Our clients' satisfaction is pivotal to our own success.
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“Alan, Julie and the team at McDonald Murholme helped me through a very stressful time with my employer. Once I contacted and engaged them they… more
“Alan, Julie and the team at McDonald Murholme helped me through a very stressful time with my employer. Once I contacted and engaged them they kept me informed and supported me throughout the journey. They took away my stress, were patient with my many questions and most importantly they empowered me. Highly recommend.”
Tiffany RichardsTiffany Richards -
“Outstanding, clear and concise advice.”
Carl Pallier -
“Deeply compassionate, understanding and supportive, Helped me through a very difficult decision with sage and timely advice.”
Ian Stokol -
The staff at McDonald Murholme are exemplary! From the moment you walk into their beautiful office, to the warm, friendly, courteous receptionists, you get the… more
The staff at McDonald Murholme are exemplary! From the moment you walk into their beautiful office, to the warm, friendly, courteous receptionists, you get the feeling that you will be given exemplary and outstanding legal service and representation. Stephanie was amazing and provided me with outstanding legal advice and direction. Stephanie's professional and calming demeanour allowed me to feel confident that my legal matter would be resolved in the most professional manner! She ensured communication was clear, concise and was always available when needed. I highly recommend McDonald Murholme, and especially Stephanie!
Jerome ConwayJerome Conway -
If you’re made redundant reach out to McDonald Murholme for advice, you have 21 days to seek help. I have been very happy to have… more
If you’re made redundant reach out to McDonald Murholme for advice, you have 21 days to seek help. I have been very happy to have them on my side and it helps enormously to right any wrong doing in the workplace and give you support through what is a tough experience for anyone. Thank you to the team at Mc Donald Murholme, I have greatly appreciated your professional legal advice & support. I highly recommend their services to anyone who finds themselves redundant, unfortunately all to common in the current workplace.
Deb HallmarkDeb Hallmark -
The people I dealt with at McDonald Murholme were all top-notch professionals who were knowledgeable, prompt, courteous, and supportive through what could have been a… more
The people I dealt with at McDonald Murholme were all top-notch professionals who were knowledgeable, prompt, courteous, and supportive through what could have been a harrowing experience. I have nothing but praise for Alan, Alisha, and Amanda - and Natasha who patiently took copious notes about my situation! I have no hesitation in recommending this firm for legal matters around employment. I am particularly thankful to Amanda Greig who explained my options fully, and negotiated skillfully on my behalf. Thanks team.
Ingrid BeasleyIngrid Beasley -
I was very impressed with the high level of service that was provided by the team at McDonald Murholme Solicitors. A high level of professionalism… more
I was very impressed with the high level of service that was provided by the team at McDonald Murholme Solicitors. A high level of professionalism was shown at all times whilst dealing with the team. Thanks to the hard work of Stephanie Hallas I was able to reach a very good outcome with my redundancy, and I'd highly recommend using their services.
Brendon AtkinsonBrendon Atkinson -
I have been very impressed by the professional services I have received from McDonald Murholme. They came highly recommended to me for a practice that… more
I have been very impressed by the professional services I have received from McDonald Murholme. They came highly recommended to me for a practice that gets outcomes to go in the favour of the employee and they delivered. I also received practical advice with relation to options and associated fees. Hopefully I don’t have to use them again but wouldn’t hesitate if I needed to. thanks you Alan and Zac.
Aaron DixonAaron Dixon -
I called for advice. I was told I would receive a follow up email where I could upload any info I had. Then I would… more
I called for advice. I was told I would receive a follow up email where I could upload any info I had. Then I would receive a call. I received a text reminder then the call promptly when it was scheduled. Stephanie was so kind and personable. So keen to help me. She even gave me a second phone call as she wanted to look into my issue further & make sure she was giving me the correct advice. Highly recommend this professional team. So glad I found them. Many thanks- Tania
TaniaTania -
Amanda and the team at McDonald Murholme were incredibly kind, patient and generous with their time regarding my situation. I am incredibly grateful for their… more
Amanda and the team at McDonald Murholme were incredibly kind, patient and generous with their time regarding my situation. I am incredibly grateful for their service and advice and would highly recommend them to anybody in need of workplace legal services. Amanda in particular is a certified legend!
Matthew IozziMatthew Iozzi -
Stephanie has been amazing to deal with! She was able to quickly get on top of the issues behind a fairly complicated Fair Work small… more
Stephanie has been amazing to deal with! She was able to quickly get on top of the issues behind a fairly complicated Fair Work small claims action, then patiently work with me whilst I prepared my claim and my response to the employer, offering guidance and suggestions along the way. Thanks to you Stephanie and the team at McDonald Murholme for your help and assistance!
Michael BarrettMichael Barrett -
My need for support from McDonald Murholme came at a time when I was also focussing on a couple of other personal issues - both… more
My need for support from McDonald Murholme came at a time when I was also focussing on a couple of other personal issues - both significant but unrelated. The support I received from Alan, Stephanie and the team was incredible - I felt supported at every step of the process and was 100% confident that the matter was being dealt with effectively whilst I addressed other things. Most importantly, however, the team were easy to talk to and kept me fully up to date with progress. Hopefully I'll not have a need to use them again but, if I do, I absolutely would NOT hesitate! Last thing for me to say - THANK YOU McDonald Murholme!
PJ MetcalfPJ Metcalf -
Outstanding lawyers! I contacted McDonald Murholme to review some legal documents. The team there were super supportive, explained everything, where fully upfront about pricing and… more
Outstanding lawyers! I contacted McDonald Murholme to review some legal documents. The team there were super supportive, explained everything, where fully upfront about pricing and different legal options that I had. Their team worked quickly and I was really blow away by their thoroughness, thoughtfulness, dedication, and professionalism. They helped me get a way better outcome than I would have had without seeking their help. Can't speak highly enough about my experience.
Marcos CaceresMarcos Caceres -
“The McDonald Murholme staff made me feel so comfortable, they provided me with great advice and helped me reach an outcome that I was very… more
“The McDonald Murholme staff made me feel so comfortable, they provided me with great advice and helped me reach an outcome that I was very happy with.”
Sophie ThomsonSophie Thomson -
“Thank you, Edward, Alan and the team. Your support throughout the journey was outstanding. I cannot recommend you enough. I could not be happier. Thank… more
“Thank you, Edward, Alan and the team. Your support throughout the journey was outstanding. I cannot recommend you enough. I could not be happier. Thank you again.”
Joanne FerrettoJoanne Ferretto -
“Alan and Stephanie were able to turn my workplace nightmare into a financially rewarding experience that I would never have been able to achieve without… more
“Alan and Stephanie were able to turn my workplace nightmare into a financially rewarding experience that I would never have been able to achieve without their knowledge and assistance. I am so grateful for the exit strategy they managed to negotiate for me to enable me to move on to a much better opportunity. Huge thanks to all the team at McDonald Murholme for the great work you all do.”
Camden BrownCamden Brown -
“Alan, Ned and the team at McDonald Murholme took a genuine interest in my situation. Their advice and guidance helped me quickly achieve a fair… more
“Alan, Ned and the team at McDonald Murholme took a genuine interest in my situation. Their advice and guidance helped me quickly achieve a fair settlement from my employer.”
AnonymousAnonymous -
“My need for support from McDonald Murholme came at a time when I was also focussing on a couple of other personal issues - both… more
“My need for support from McDonald Murholme came at a time when I was also focussing on a couple of other personal issues - both significant but unrelated. The support I received from Alan, Stephanie and the team was incredible - I felt supported at every step of the process and was 100% confident that the matter was being dealt with effectively whilst I addressed other things. Most importantly, however, the team were easy to talk to and kept me fully up to date with progress. Hopefully I'll not have a need to use them again but, if I do, I absolutely would NOT hesitate! Last thing for me to say - THANK YOU McDonald Murholme!”
PJ MetcalfPJ Metcalf -
“Alan, Julie and the team at McDonald Murholme helped me through a very stressful time with my employer. Once I contacted and engaged them they… more
“Alan, Julie and the team at McDonald Murholme helped me through a very stressful time with my employer. Once I contacted and engaged them they kept me informed and supported me throughout the journey. They took away my stress, were patient with my many questions and most importantly they empowered me. Highly recommend.”
Tiffany RichardsTiffany Richards -
“Outstanding, clear and concise advice.”
Carl Pallier -
“Deeply compassionate, understanding and supportive, Helped me through a very difficult decision with sage and timely advice.”
Ian Stokol -
The staff at McDonald Murholme are exemplary! From the moment you walk into their beautiful office, to the warm, friendly, courteous receptionists, you get the… more
The staff at McDonald Murholme are exemplary! From the moment you walk into their beautiful office, to the warm, friendly, courteous receptionists, you get the feeling that you will be given exemplary and outstanding legal service and representation. Stephanie was amazing and provided me with outstanding legal advice and direction. Stephanie's professional and calming demeanour allowed me to feel confident that my legal matter would be resolved in the most professional manner! She ensured communication was clear, concise and was always available when needed. I highly recommend McDonald Murholme, and especially Stephanie!
Jerome ConwayJerome Conway -
If you’re made redundant reach out to McDonald Murholme for advice, you have 21 days to seek help. I have been very happy to have… more
If you’re made redundant reach out to McDonald Murholme for advice, you have 21 days to seek help. I have been very happy to have them on my side and it helps enormously to right any wrong doing in the workplace and give you support through what is a tough experience for anyone. Thank you to the team at Mc Donald Murholme, I have greatly appreciated your professional legal advice & support. I highly recommend their services to anyone who finds themselves redundant, unfortunately all to common in the current workplace.
Deb HallmarkDeb Hallmark -
The people I dealt with at McDonald Murholme were all top-notch professionals who were knowledgeable, prompt, courteous, and supportive through what could have been a… more
The people I dealt with at McDonald Murholme were all top-notch professionals who were knowledgeable, prompt, courteous, and supportive through what could have been a harrowing experience. I have nothing but praise for Alan, Alisha, and Amanda - and Natasha who patiently took copious notes about my situation! I have no hesitation in recommending this firm for legal matters around employment. I am particularly thankful to Amanda Greig who explained my options fully, and negotiated skillfully on my behalf. Thanks team.
Ingrid BeasleyIngrid Beasley -
I was very impressed with the high level of service that was provided by the team at McDonald Murholme Solicitors. A high level of professionalism… more
I was very impressed with the high level of service that was provided by the team at McDonald Murholme Solicitors. A high level of professionalism was shown at all times whilst dealing with the team. Thanks to the hard work of Stephanie Hallas I was able to reach a very good outcome with my redundancy, and I'd highly recommend using their services.
Brendon AtkinsonBrendon Atkinson -
I have been very impressed by the professional services I have received from McDonald Murholme. They came highly recommended to me for a practice that… more
I have been very impressed by the professional services I have received from McDonald Murholme. They came highly recommended to me for a practice that gets outcomes to go in the favour of the employee and they delivered. I also received practical advice with relation to options and associated fees. Hopefully I don’t have to use them again but wouldn’t hesitate if I needed to. thanks you Alan and Zac.
Aaron DixonAaron Dixon -
I called for advice. I was told I would receive a follow up email where I could upload any info I had. Then I would… more
I called for advice. I was told I would receive a follow up email where I could upload any info I had. Then I would receive a call. I received a text reminder then the call promptly when it was scheduled. Stephanie was so kind and personable. So keen to help me. She even gave me a second phone call as she wanted to look into my issue further & make sure she was giving me the correct advice. Highly recommend this professional team. So glad I found them. Many thanks- Tania
TaniaTania -
Amanda and the team at McDonald Murholme were incredibly kind, patient and generous with their time regarding my situation. I am incredibly grateful for their… more
Amanda and the team at McDonald Murholme were incredibly kind, patient and generous with their time regarding my situation. I am incredibly grateful for their service and advice and would highly recommend them to anybody in need of workplace legal services. Amanda in particular is a certified legend!
Matthew IozziMatthew Iozzi -
Stephanie has been amazing to deal with! She was able to quickly get on top of the issues behind a fairly complicated Fair Work small… more
Stephanie has been amazing to deal with! She was able to quickly get on top of the issues behind a fairly complicated Fair Work small claims action, then patiently work with me whilst I prepared my claim and my response to the employer, offering guidance and suggestions along the way. Thanks to you Stephanie and the team at McDonald Murholme for your help and assistance!
Michael BarrettMichael Barrett -
My need for support from McDonald Murholme came at a time when I was also focussing on a couple of other personal issues - both… more
My need for support from McDonald Murholme came at a time when I was also focussing on a couple of other personal issues - both significant but unrelated. The support I received from Alan, Stephanie and the team was incredible - I felt supported at every step of the process and was 100% confident that the matter was being dealt with effectively whilst I addressed other things. Most importantly, however, the team were easy to talk to and kept me fully up to date with progress. Hopefully I'll not have a need to use them again but, if I do, I absolutely would NOT hesitate! Last thing for me to say - THANK YOU McDonald Murholme!
PJ MetcalfPJ Metcalf -
Outstanding lawyers! I contacted McDonald Murholme to review some legal documents. The team there were super supportive, explained everything, where fully upfront about pricing and… more
Outstanding lawyers! I contacted McDonald Murholme to review some legal documents. The team there were super supportive, explained everything, where fully upfront about pricing and different legal options that I had. Their team worked quickly and I was really blow away by their thoroughness, thoughtfulness, dedication, and professionalism. They helped me get a way better outcome than I would have had without seeking their help. Can't speak highly enough about my experience.
Marcos CaceresMarcos Caceres -
“The McDonald Murholme staff made me feel so comfortable, they provided me with great advice and helped me reach an outcome that I was very… more
“The McDonald Murholme staff made me feel so comfortable, they provided me with great advice and helped me reach an outcome that I was very happy with.”
Sophie ThomsonSophie Thomson -
“Thank you, Edward, Alan and the team. Your support throughout the journey was outstanding. I cannot recommend you enough. I could not be happier. Thank… more
“Thank you, Edward, Alan and the team. Your support throughout the journey was outstanding. I cannot recommend you enough. I could not be happier. Thank you again.”
Joanne FerrettoJoanne Ferretto -
“Alan and Stephanie were able to turn my workplace nightmare into a financially rewarding experience that I would never have been able to achieve without… more
“Alan and Stephanie were able to turn my workplace nightmare into a financially rewarding experience that I would never have been able to achieve without their knowledge and assistance. I am so grateful for the exit strategy they managed to negotiate for me to enable me to move on to a much better opportunity. Huge thanks to all the team at McDonald Murholme for the great work you all do.”
Camden BrownCamden Brown -
“Alan, Ned and the team at McDonald Murholme took a genuine interest in my situation. Their advice and guidance helped me quickly achieve a fair… more
“Alan, Ned and the team at McDonald Murholme took a genuine interest in my situation. Their advice and guidance helped me quickly achieve a fair settlement from my employer.”
AnonymousAnonymous -
“My need for support from McDonald Murholme came at a time when I was also focussing on a couple of other personal issues - both… more
“My need for support from McDonald Murholme came at a time when I was also focussing on a couple of other personal issues - both significant but unrelated. The support I received from Alan, Stephanie and the team was incredible - I felt supported at every step of the process and was 100% confident that the matter was being dealt with effectively whilst I addressed other things. Most importantly, however, the team were easy to talk to and kept me fully up to date with progress. Hopefully I'll not have a need to use them again but, if I do, I absolutely would NOT hesitate! Last thing for me to say - THANK YOU McDonald Murholme!”
PJ MetcalfPJ Metcalf -
“Alan, Julie and the team at McDonald Murholme helped me through a very stressful time with my employer. Once I contacted and engaged them they… more
“Alan, Julie and the team at McDonald Murholme helped me through a very stressful time with my employer. Once I contacted and engaged them they kept me informed and supported me throughout the journey. They took away my stress, were patient with my many questions and most importantly they empowered me. Highly recommend.”
Tiffany RichardsTiffany Richards -
“Outstanding, clear and concise advice.”
Carl Pallier -
“Deeply compassionate, understanding and supportive, Helped me through a very difficult decision with sage and timely advice.”
Ian Stokol
For additional employment law information please see our pro-bono site Employment Law Online :www.employmentlawonline.com.au