AUSTRALIAN DENTAL ASSOCIATION VICTORIAN BRANCH INC. BRANCH POLICY STATEMENT 1.16 HARASSMENT 1.
INTRODUCTION
1.1
The Australian Dental Association Victorian Branch Inc. (ADAVB) is committed to ensuring that its employees are not subjected to harassment in the course of their work. Harassment has the effect of creating an intimidating, hostile and offensive work environment. It is by definition unwelcomed and one-sided, and both males and females can be victims. The ADAVB believes that all people have the right to work in an environment which is free of harassment.
2.
LEGISLATION
2.1
Harassment is recognised in relevant legislation as a form of discrimination. The Commonwealth Sex Discrimination Act (1984), the Racial Discrimination Act (1975), the Victorian Racial and Religious Tolerance Act (2001), the Disability Discrimination Act (1992) and the Victorian Equal Opportunity Act (2010) make harassment in the workplace unlawful, and place responsibility for such behaviour not only with the employee, but also with the employer.
2.2
Harrasment can also result in breaches of the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (Vic).
2.3
In certain circumstances, harassment may constitute ‘adverse action’ by an employer under the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth).
3.
HARASSMENT
3.1
Harassment varies in degree and the extent to which it causes affront and distress. It may result in the recipient feeling pressure, distress, guilt and confusion, and may create harmful work conditions of fear and conflict.
3.2
Harassment may occur between peers or between staff at different promotion levels and employment categories or between staff and visitors to the Branch. Such behaviour impairs the integrity of the staff concerned with other staff, Branch members, the public, contractors, work experience students, etc.
ADAVB Branch Policy Statement 1.16
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