Much of social exclusion stems from discrimination of individuals or groups, based on attributes, or social, economic and physical disadvantages. Discrimination can impact a person’s employment and income, their access to health care, education and other services.

It can also make it very difficult to participate in their community – for example, in work, or in joining a community group.

Discrimination based on protected attributes – such as age, sex, disability, race, sex, intersex status, gender identity and sexual orientation in certain areas of public life, including education and employment is against the law, and federal legislation protects against this.