Andreopoulos v University of Canberra

The applicant, Ms Andreopoulos, brought a complaint against the University of Canberra, alleging discrimination on the grounds of disability. The matter was referred to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) by the Australian Human Rights Commission. The central dispute revolved around the university's implementation of reasonable adjustments for exams and whether these adjustments constituted direct or indirect discrimination against Ms Andreopoulos.

The primary legal issues before the Tribunal were whether Ms Andreopoulos misled the tribunal by not appearing or by not disclosing her mother's presence, and whether the university's actions constituted direct or indirect discrimination under the relevant legislation. Additionally, the court had to determine if the proceedings should be dismissed as an abuse of process or lacking substance.

The Tribunal dismissed the university's application for referral to the ACAT, finding no evidence of misleading conduct by Ms Andreopoulos. The Tribunal also found that the university’s changes to reasonable adjustments for exams did not amount to direct or indirect discrimination. Consequently, the Tribunal dismissed the complaint. The orders included dismissing the university's application, setting aside previous orders, and prohibiting public access to the Tribunal file.