An advocate for New Zealanders living in Australia says the outcome of a landmark discrimination case in Victoria will affect hundreds of people.
A student who has been denied a concession card for public transport has lodged a complaint with the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.
Muhammad Khalid says he has been discriminated against because he is a New Zealander.
More than 477,000 New Zealanders live in Australia, but many hold non-protected visas meaning they have no access to unemployment benefits, parenting payments or sickness allowances.
David Faulkner - who has been advocating for New Zealanders- says Mr Khalid's complaint about a concession card will have far-reaching consequences.
Official papers given to Radio New Zealand show Mr Khalid lives permanently in Australia, but has been denied a student concession card for public transport.
The papers say this is discrimination under two sections of the Victoria Equal Opportunity Act.
The tribunal could order the travel policy be changed to include New Zealanders, and could also award Mr Khalid compensation.
Official papers released recently revealed that the federal government has been worried about discrimination against New Zealanders within its social services policy since 2009.
Some 477,000 New Zealand citizens currently live in Australia, but many hold non-protected visas meaning they have no access to unemployment benefits, parenting payments or sickness allowances.
Mr Khalid's case will be heard in the next few months.
