The most significant change introduced under the Fair Work Amendment Act 2013 is the establishment of the anti-bullying jurisdiction within the Fair Work Commission (FWC) with effect from 1 January 2014.
Previously complaints of bullying were dealt with under the workplace health and safety legislation by making a complaint to the relevant government department, which is then investigated like any other safety risk in the workplace. Claims for compensation due to illness or injury resulting from bullying are able to made under workers compensation legislation. Discrimination tribunals and adverse action claims also cover some bullying-related type claims. This latest amendment to the Fair Work Act creates a whole new avenue for employees to take their claims of bullying.
This change allows a worker who is bullied at work to apply to the FWC for an order to stop the bullying.
Remedies include:
- orders requiring an individual or group to stop bullying behaviour, or
- requiring an employer to implement anti-bullying policies and training.
Importantly, orders for compensation or reinstatement are not available.
Significantly, is excludes workers of the following:
- unincorporated businesses such as sole traders and partnerships;
- State public service departments and agencies, including in Victoria;
- certain State government business enterprises and entities (unless they can be characterised as constitutional corporations).
The Federal Budget allocated a significant amount of resources to deal with expected number of bullying disputes to be lodged with the FWC. Therefore, all employers should ensure that:
- They have sound policies and procedures in place around bullying, complaint handling, and be prepared to defend and mediate bullying claims in the FWC.
- All managers, supervisors and employees (and contractors where applicable) are effectively trained around the policies and procedures, including how to proactively identify and eliminate bullying from the workplace, and how to make and manage complaints of bullying.
Harrison Human Resources Is A Brisbane Based Human Resources, Industrial Relations And Recruitment Consulting Firm. If You Need A Policy Or Clarity Around Your Requirements For Anti-Bullying Please Contact Harrison Human Resources On 1300 001 447 Or Email Info@Hhr.Com.Au.
Claire Harrison is the Founder and Managing Director of Harrisons, a flourishing HR consulting business that sprouted in 2009 from Claire’s passionate belief that inspiring leaders and superstar employees are the key success factor to any business. With over 20 years’ experience, Claire has worked as a HR Director of multi-national organisations, as a Non-Executive Board Director, and a small business owner. Claire’s corporate career includes working with companies such as BHP, Westpac, Fonterra and Mayne Nickless.
