Respectful Behaviour

Harassment consists of unwelcome, offensive, abusive, belittling or threatening behaviour directed to another person. This conduct may be based on some real or perceived difference and may lead to the person being harassed, feeling offended, humiliated, intimidated or disadvantaged. The fact that no offence was intended or that the conduct was done in jest does not mean that the harassment is lawful.

Bullying consists of unreasonable behaviour (which may or may not be repeated) directed towards an employee or group of employees which creates a risk to physical or psychological health and safety.

If you believe that you are being bullied or harassed, you should tell the person that their behaviour is unacceptable and that it must stop, otherwise they may interpret your silence as consent. However, if you do not feel comfortable saying these things, this will not mean that you lose your right to object.

You should also report the behaviour or incident to a NAWO Board member. You should tell the Board Member if you are being harassed or bullied even if you do not want to make a formal complaint, so that an attempt can be made to resolve the issue informally and ensure that the behaviour does not continue to occur in the future.

NAWO has a legal responsibility to take reasonable steps to prevent bullying and harassment. This policy is an important part of those steps.

If you make a complaint of bullying or harassment, it will be taken very seriously and will be dealt with sympathetically and in a confidential manner. The complaint will be investigated by the Board Member appointed to handle complaints, and if proven, appropriate disciplinary action will be taken against the harasser and association membership either suspended or cancelled.

You will not be victimised or treated unfairly for making a complaint provided it is made in good faith. However, complaints that are vexatious or malicious may result in disciplinary action against the complainant.

If you are not satisfied with the way in which your complaint has been dealt with by the company, you can seek further advice from an outside agency such as the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission or the Anti‐Discrimination Board, or its equivalent in your State or Territory.