Burns v Media Options Group Pty Ltd

In *Burns v Media Options Group Pty Ltd*, heard by Judge Nicholls, the applicant brought proceedings against the respondents alleging unlawful discrimination. The dispute concerned alleged breaches of the *Disability Discrimination Act 1992* (Cth) and the *Sex Discrimination Act 1984* (Cth).

The court was required to determine whether the respondents had engaged in unlawful discrimination against the applicant, specifically in relation to disability discrimination and discrimination based on carers' and family responsibilities, as well as sex discrimination.

Judge Nicholls found that the respondents had breached both the *Disability Discrimination Act 1992* and the *Sex Discrimination Act 1984*. The court ordered the respondents to pay the applicant $81,213.46 in damages. Additionally, pursuant to s.76(3)(d) of the *Federal Circuit Court of Australia Act 1999* (Cth), the respondents were ordered to pay $25,000 as interest to the date of judgment. Further interest was to be paid on the judgment amount under s.77(3) of the *Federal Circuit Court of Australia Act 1999* (Cth) and r.39.06 of the *Federal Court Rules 2011* (Cth). The court also certified that the proceedings reasonably required the employment of an advocate by the applicant, pursuant to r.21.15 of the *Federal Circuit Court Rules 2001* (Cth).