If you mention your disability at a job interview, the employer can only ask questions about how it might affect how you do the job and work safely. You also have the right to privacy.

What employers can ask about your disability

At a job interview, an employer can ask about:

• changes to the workplace that will help you do the job – these are also called reasonable adjustments
• changes to work hours or rosters to help you in the role
• keeping the workplace safe for you and everyone else.

The employer can’t ask personal questions about your lifestyle. They also can’t ask you general questions about your disability or your health.

Examples of questions your employer can ask

• Will you need any flexible arrangements so you can do your job?
• Will you need us to make any changes in the workplace?
• Do you have ideas about good ways to do your job?
• Do you have ideas for making your workplace safe?
• Do you take any medication that might make it unsafe for you to do the job?
• How will you let us know about medical appointments so we can change your work roster?

Examples of questions your employer can’t ask

• Do you take of lot of medication?
• Are you sick a lot?
• How many times a year do you go to the doctor?
• Are you going to be able to cope?
• Does your disability make you get angry with other people?
• Have you ever lost a job because of your disability?

Your privacy

You have the right for your personal information to be kept private. The employer can’t talk to anyone else about your disability unless you give your permission. For more information, visit How your personal information is protected.

You can find out more about the Privacy Act at the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner website.