22/07/2026
Performance North Queensland
Workplace Harassment and Bullying Policy
Phone: 0437 496 184
Email: [email protected]
Document Title: Workplace Harassment and Bullying Policy
Effective Date: 22 July 2026
Review Date: 22 July 2027
1. Policy Statement
Performance North Queensland is committed to providing a workplace that is safe, respectful, inclusive and free from workplace bullying, harassment, discrimination, victimisation and any other inappropriate behaviour.
Every worker has the right to be treated with dignity and respect. Bullying and harassment will not be tolerated under any circumstances and may result in disciplinary action, including termination of employment or engagement.
This policy supports our commitment to providing a healthy workplace in accordance with the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Qld) and other relevant Australian legislation.
2. Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to:
Promote a respectful workplace culture.
Prevent workplace bullying and harassment.
Protect the physical and psychological health of workers.
Ensure complaints are managed fairly, confidentially and promptly.
Meet legal obligations under Australian workplace legislation.
3. Scope
This policy applies to all:
Directors
Managers and supervisors
Employees
Contractors
Labour hire workers
Apprentices and trainees
Volunteers
Visitors
Customers while interacting with our workers
The policy applies:
At the workplace
At customer sites
During work-related travel
During meetings and training
At work functions and social events
During telephone, email, text message and social media communications connected with work
4. Definitions
Workplace Bullying
Workplace bullying is repeated, unreasonable behaviour directed towards a worker or group of workers that creates a risk to health and safety.
Examples include:
Verbal abuse
Intimidation
Threats
Humiliation
Deliberately excluding someone
Spreading malicious rumours
Offensive jokes or comments
Excessive criticism without justification
Deliberately withholding information required to perform work
Setting impossible deadlines
Cyberbullying
Reasonable management action carried out in a reasonable manner, such as performance management, allocation of work or disciplinary action, is not workplace bullying.
Harassment
Harassment is unwelcome behaviour that offends, humiliates or intimidates another person.
Harassment may be:
Verbal
Physical
Written
Visual
Online
S*xual
Psychological
Harassment can occur as a single serious incident or as repeated behaviour.
S*xual Harassment
S*xual harassment includes any unwelcome sexual advance, request for sexual favours or other unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that makes a person feel offended, humiliated or intimidated.
Examples include:
Unwanted touching
S*xual comments or jokes
Repeated requests for dates
Displaying offensive material
Sending sexually explicit messages or images
Inappropriate staring
5. Responsibilities
Management
Management will:
Lead by example.
Promote respectful behaviour.
Respond promptly to complaints.
Ensure complaints are investigated fairly.
Protect confidentiality.
Prevent victimisation.
Take appropriate corrective action.
Provide education and training.
Employees
Employees must:
Treat everyone with dignity and respect.
Refrain from bullying, harassment or discrimination.
Report unacceptable behaviour.
Cooperate with investigations.
Maintain confidentiality.
Support a positive workplace culture.
6. Reporting Concerns
Workers are encouraged to report bullying or harassment as soon as possible.
Complaints may be made to:
The Director
A Supervisor
A Manager
A designated WHS representative (if appointed)
Complaints may be made verbally or in writing.
Performance North Queensland will treat all complaints seriously.
7. Investigation Process
Where appropriate, complaints will be investigated promptly and fairly.
The investigation may include:
Interviewing the complainant
Interviewing the respondent
Interviewing witnesses
Reviewing documents and communications
Assessing relevant evidence
All parties will be treated fairly and given the opportunity to respond.
8. Confidentiality
Performance North Queensland will maintain confidentiality throughout the complaint process wherever practicable.
Information will only be disclosed where necessary to investigate or where required by law.
9. Victimisation
Victimisation against any person who reports bullying or harassment, participates in an investigation or provides information is strictly prohibited.
Any person engaging in victimisation may face disciplinary action.
10. False or Malicious Complaints
Performance North Queensland encourages genuine reporting of concerns.
Knowingly making false or malicious complaints is unacceptable and may result in disciplinary action.
A complaint made in good faith that is not substantiated will not result in disciplinary action against the complainant.
11. Disciplinary Action
Where bullying or harassment is substantiated, disciplinary action may include:
Counselling
Formal warning
Training
Mediation
Suspension
Termination of employment or contract
Referral to external authorities where appropriate
12. Training
Performance North Queensland will provide workers with information and training regarding:
Workplace behaviour expectations
Bullying and harassment awareness
Complaint procedures
Respectful communication
Diversity and inclusion
13. Support
Workers affected by bullying or harassment will be provided with appropriate support where practicable, which may include:
Access to management support
Flexible work arrangements where appropriate
Referral to counselling or employee assistance services (where available)
14. Legislative Compliance
This policy is developed in accordance with:
Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Qld)
Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (Qld)
Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth)
Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 (Qld)
S*x Discrimination Act 1984 (Cth)
Australian Human Rights Commission Act 1986 (Cth)
15. Policy Review
This policy will be reviewed:
Every 12 months
Following legislative changes
Following significant workplace incidents
Following substantiated complaints
When business operations change
Commitment
Performance North Queensland is committed to maintaining a workplace where everyone is treated fairly, respectfully and with dignity. We believe that a respectful workplace contributes to the health, wellbeing, productivity and success of our employees and our business.
Every worker has the right to work in an environment free from bullying and harassment and shares responsibility for creating and maintaining that environment.
Approval
Company: Performance North Queensland
Approved By: _______________________________
Name: Peter Lamond
Position: Director
Signature: _________________________________
Effective Date: 22 July 2026
Review Date: 22 July 2027
