Date/Time:

12/02/2026 - 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm

Event Categories:

• Industrial Relations, Human Resources and Legal
• Professional Learning

Description:

This session provides school leaders with a clear understanding of how to meet their obligations under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth), and how it applies to decisions relating to student enrolment, behaviour management, suspension and expulsion. Participants will learn how to respond effectively to AHRC complaints through a mock case study and understand the importance of consultation, procedural fairness, and documentation. 

Your commitment: 1.5 contact hours plus any required reading.

Delivery mode: 1 x online session.

Presented by: Sonia Albertini, Head of Legal Services, AISSA. 

Price: There is no charge for this session.

Date: 12 February 2026, 3:30pm-5:00pm.

Location: online via Zoom – a link will be sent via email prior to the session.

Registration closes: 5 February 2026 at 5:00pm.

Program Overview: This session gives school leaders practical insight into how the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth) (DDA) and Disability Standards for Education 2005 (DSE) apply to enrolments, suspensions, expulsions, and related complaints. Participants will explore their legal duties to ensure students with disability are treated fairly, supported appropriately, and not unlawfully discriminated against. The seminar also explains the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) complaint process and uses a case study to highlight lawful vs. unlawful decisions, focusing on reasonable adjustments, consultation, procedural fairness, and documentation.

Learning Outcomes

Understand the Legal Framework:

• identify key provisions of the DDA and Standards
• apply them to enrolment, behaviour, suspension, and expulsion decisions
• recognise links between the DDA, state education legislation, and school policies.

Make Fair Enrolment Decisions: 

• know when enrolment refusal or conditions may be discriminatory
• apply reasonable adjustments and consult
• assess lawful refusals (e.g., unjustifiable hardship). 

Navigate Behaviour and Discipline: 

• understand how disability affects behaviour expectations
• distinguish lawful management from discrimination
• apply fairness, evidence-based decisions, and documented supports.

Engage with the AHRC Complaint Process: 

• understand how complaints are lodged, assessed, and conciliated
• identify common issues in DDA complaints
• prepare documentation, respond effectively, and resolve matters
• recognise consequences of non-compliance and restorative options.

Promote Inclusive Practice: 

• strengthen consultation, communication, and student support
• develop proactive strategies to reduce disputes and build trust
• embed inclusive culture and adjustments to support participation.

Program Lead: please contact Sonia Albertini.

Terms and Conditions: There is no charge for this session. See the AISSA’s Professional Learning Terms and Conditions for the full registration terms and conditions including the cancellation policy.