Workplace Bullying and Discrimination

Factsheets / Workplace Bullying and Discrimination

Employers have legal duties to treat employees fairly and protect them from health and safety risks. This means all workers have the right to a workplace that is free from bullying, harassment and discrimination. Despite legal protections, many workers still find themselves exposed to bullying, harassment and discrimination. Australian Unions is here to support and advise workers on these issues. In this section you will find information on:

Know My Rights: Changes to workplace discrimination

From 7th December 2022 all working Australians, across every industry, are more protected against discrimination from their employers.

Disciplinary meetings

A disciplinary meeting is when your employer requests a meeting to discuss allegations about your performance.

Workplace Discrimination

Workplace discrimination occurs when a person, or a group of people, is treated less favourably than another person or group because of their background or particular personal characteristics. Discrimination can occur at any stage of employment – from the interview and hiring process, through to being fired. No matter when it occurs, discrimination is illegal. Commonwealth and state discrimination laws protect people from discrimination on the basis of their: New protections for Family and Domestic Violence victims This last point above is a new protection which came into effect from 15 December 2023. The Fair Work Legislation Amendment...

Know My Rights: Protection against sexual harassment

The top priority is to make sure you, or the person you are supporting, feels safe.

Workplace Bullying and Harassment

Bullying and harassment harms the physical and mental health of workers. It is a serious health and safety issue that must be managed and prevented by employers. Everyone should feel safe and supported at work. To help protect yourself from this health risk, it’s important to have a clear understanding of what bullying and harassment is. What is workplace bullying? The Fair Work Act (s 789FD) defines bullying as repeated unreasonable behaviour towards a worker (or group of workers) which creates a risk to health and safety. Bullying consists of a broad spectrum of repeated unreasonable behaviour, which might...

Privacy at Work

Workplace health and safety information about privacy at work and COVID-19

Workplace cleanliness and hygiene

Workplace health and safety information about managing the risk of COVID-19 and workplace cleanliness and hygiene