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Harassment and Bullying Policy
 

1. PURPOSE


The DOCTORS Hope Island ("the Practice") is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and inclusive workplace for all employees, contractors, and visitors. This policy outlines our commitment to preventing and responding to workplace harassment, bullying, and discrimination in compliance with relevant Australian and Queensland legislation.

 

2. SCOPE

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This policy applies to all employees, contractors, volunteers, and any other individuals engaged with the Practice. It covers conduct that occurs in the workplace, during work-related activities, and in any environment where workplace interactions take place, including online communications.

 

3. LEGISLATIVE COMPLIANCE


This policy aligns with the following legislation:

 

  • Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth)

  • Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Qld)

  • Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 (Qld)

  • Human Rights Act 2019 (Qld)

  • Sex Discrimination Act 1984 (Cth)

  • Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (Cth)

  • Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth)

  • Australian Human Rights Commission Act 1986 (Cth)

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4.   DEFINITIONS


4.1 Harassment

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Harassment is any unwelcome behaviour that is offensive, intimidating, humiliating, or threatening. This can include but is not limited to:

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  • Unwelcome physical contact

  • Verbal abuse or offensive language

  • Jokes, comments, or innuendos that are discriminatory or derogatory

  • Unwanted sexual advances or inappropriate remarks

  • Displaying offensive images or materials

  • Repeated, unwarranted, or intrusive questions about personal matters

 

4.2  Bullying


Workplace bullying occurs when an individual or group repeatedly behaves unreasonably towards another person, creating a risk to health and safety. Examples include:

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  • Verbal abuse or insults

  • Deliberate exclusion from workplace activities

  • Unjustified criticism or complaints

  • Unreasonable work demands

  • Spreading rumours or malicious gossip

 

5.   RESPONSIBILITIES


5.1  Management

  • Ensure a workplace free from harassment and bullying.

  • Take reasonable steps to prevent and address harassment and bullying.

  • Provide training and awareness on workplace behaviour expectations.

  • Investigate complaints fairly and promptly.

  • Take disciplinary action where necessary.

 

5.2  Employees

 

  • Treat colleagues, patients, and visitors with respect.

  • Report any instances of harassment or bullying.

  • Cooperate with investigations and resolution processes.

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6.    REPORTING & COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE

 

  • Employees should report concerns to their direct manager, HR representative, or a designated workplace contact person.

  • Complaints can be made verbally or in writing.

  • All reports will be handled confidentially and fairly.

  • An investigation will be conducted where necessary, and outcomes will be communicated to relevant parties.

  • Retaliation against anyone making a complaint in good faith will not be tolerated.

 

7.   CONSEQUENCE OF BREACH

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  • Breaches of this policy may result in disciplinary action, including warnings, training, suspension, or termination of employment.

  • Serious breaches may be reported to external authorities such as the Fair Work Commission, Queensland Human Rights Commission, or WorkSafe Queensland.

 

8.   REVIEW AND TRAINING

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  • This policy will be reviewed annually or when legislative changes occur.

  • Training on harassment, bullying, and respectful workplace behaviour will be provided regularly.

 

9.  CONTACT INFORMATION 


For further information or to report concerns, employees may contact:

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