Huang v University of New South Wales

In the case of *Huang v University of New South Wales*, the applicant, Ms. Huang, brought proceedings against the respondent, the University of New South Wales, alleging discrimination on the basis of her race and disability. The matter was heard by Judge Cameron in the Federal Court of Australia.

The central legal issues before the Court were whether the University had unlawfully discriminated against Ms. Huang under the *Racial Discrimination Act 1975* (Cth) and the *Disability Discrimination Act 1992* (Cth). Specifically, the Court was required to determine if the University's actions, including its decision not to renew Ms. Huang's contract and the subsequent handling of her complaints, constituted direct or indirect discrimination on the grounds of her race and/or disability.

Judge Cameron considered the evidence presented by both parties, focusing on the University's stated reasons for its decisions and Ms. Huang's assertions of discriminatory intent or effect. The Court applied the principles of statutory interpretation relevant to anti-discrimination legislation, examining whether the University's conduct had the purpose or effect of disadvantaging Ms. Huang because of her race or disability. The Court also considered the concept of "reasonable adjustments" in the context of disability discrimination.

The Court found that Ms. Huang had not established that the University's decision not to renew her contract was based on her race or disability. Accordingly, the application was dismissed.