Legal Studies QCE Units 3 & 4 Practice Question 2 – Key legal documents

A national retail chain introduces a new “customer conduct and access” policy for all stores in Australia. The policy states:

• “Staff may refuse service to any person who does not comply with store rules.”
• “All customers must show a government-issued photo ID before entering.”
• “For safety, children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.”
• “To maintain a professional environment, staff uniforms must be ‘male’ or ‘female’ as listed in the dress code.”
• “Assistance animals are allowed only if the customer provides proof of accreditation.”

The company claims the policy “treats everyone the same” and is consistent with “traditional rights and freedoms”.

Analyse how the development of key human rights in the Magna Carta (1215) and in Commonwealth anti-discrimination legislation has influenced what “equal treatment” should mean in modern Australia. In your response, refer to the Magna Carta and at least two of the following Acts: the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (Cth), Sex Discrimination Act 1984 (Cth), Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth), and Age Discrimination Act 2004 (Cth). Use your analysis to make a reasoned judgment about whether the company’s policy is more likely to promote or limit human rights overall.