People with a disability or health condition say they are often discriminated against, a survey commissioned by the Human Rights Commission has found.
Of the 750 people to complete the survey, 191 identified themselves as having at least one disability.
The survey found 18% of overall respondents and 28% of disabled respondents had been discriminated against due to a disability or health condition.
"This is a great concern to the Human Rights Commission," Commissioner Robyn Hunt said.
"The Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities tells us how to achieve equal rights. It is a powerful tool for change.
"It should be used proactively to promote understanding about disability and rights and to challenge and eliminate discrimination," Ms Hunt said.
A quarter of the respondents with a disability were aged over 60, retired, homemakers, unemployed and lower income earners.