General applications
GA7: Join two or more complaints
Last updated: January 24, 2024
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Applying to join two or more complaints
This page gives you information you need to apply to join two or more complaints.
Joining complaints means that the Tribunal will deal with the complaints together.
Legal test for joining complaints
Section 21(6) of the Human Rights Code sets out the test.
You must show it is “fair and reasonable” to join the complaints.
Fair includes the following ideas:
- all participants have a chance to prove their side
- the process doesn’t cost too much
Reasonable means there is a good reason to join the complaints.
Information the Tribunal will consider
Reason to join the complaints
One good reason to join complaints is to save time.
The Tribunal will consider if:
- the complaints are against the same respondent
- the complaints are about similar situations
- the evidence overlaps
Example: The complaints are about the same events. The witnesses overlap. It would save time to have one hearing.
Fairness
The Tribunal will consider the effect on the participants.