support for students. The student allowance authority has been instructed to structure the forms in such way that they make it clear that supplying the data is voluntary. The Ministry for Science and Research has duly noted the AOB’s arguments, and when the Student Support Act is amended, it intends to submit various proposals to the National Council. Ministry noted AOB's arguments General information on anti-discrimination The AOB has always been a well-known, independent, cost-free, easily accessible point of contact for victims of discrimination. Every instance of discrimination by an executive body itself, or the executive body’s refusal to use every means at its disposal to intervene against such discrimination, is a "case of maladministration" as defined in Article 148a of the Austrian Federal Constitution. The AOB therefore plays a key role in implementing the complex network of national, European and international legal instruments for combatting discrimination. The AOB is a point of contact for victims of discrimination The complaints received by the AOB relate to various different forms of discrimination. In numerical terms, the main focus is on complaints in the area of social affairs, involving discrimination based on nationality or ethnic background, and discrimination based on illness or disability. In many instances, solutions are found during the course of investigative proceedings. In other instances, the AOB issues recommendations or makes proposals regarding necessary changes in the legislation. Different forms of discrimination Thus for example the AOB called for sign language interpreters to be provided cost-free when needed in proceedings involving social security institutions, and this was implemented via the Social Law Amendment Act 2010. Moreover, at the AOB’s suggestion, the minimum residence duration clauses for regional family benefits, which were in place in several of the Federal States, have been rescinded. They were discriminatory in particular in instances where a foreigner had not been living in Austria for long. Success stories 33