Reform allows NSW Industrial Relations Commission to order damages for bullying or harassment
More than 400,000 public sector workers in New South Wales can now seek orders and damages to stop bullying and harassment in workplaces under reforms that took effect on Monday.
Workers in hospitals, schools, local councils, and other public services can now go to the NSW Industrial Relations Commission (IRC) if they experience bullying or sexual harassment at work, according to the State Government.
Individuals who contravene a bullying or harassment order from the IRC may face penalties of up to $18,870, while employers may be fined up to $93,900.
"Workplace bullying and harassment causes serious harm to worker health and according to the Productivity Commission bullying costs organisations up to $36 billion annually in Australia," said NSW Industrial Relations Minister Sophie Cotsis in a statement.
Under the reforms, the IR Act will contain an additional object to eliminate discrimination, bullying, workplace sexual harassment, and gender-based undervaluation of work.
"This major reform focuses on gender equality as well as the elimination of workplace bullying and sexual harassment which are new key objectives of the IR Act," Cotsis said.
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