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Responding to a stop bullying or sexual harassment application 

Workplace bullying occurs when an individual, or group of individuals, repeatedly behaves unreasonably towards a worker, or group of workers of which the worker is a member, whilst at work, and the bullying behaviour creates a risk to the safety or health of the worker. 

Sexual harassment at work occurs when an individual, or group of individuals makes an unwelcome advance, a request for sexual favours or engages in other unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature in relation to a worker at work. It occurs in circumstances where a reasonable person would anticipate the possibility of the worker being offended, humiliated or intimidated. 

A stop bullying or sexual harassment application is an application made by a worker because the worker reasonably believes that they have been bullied or sexually harassed at work by an individual or group of individuals. 

If a worker has filed a stop bullying or a sexual harassment application in the Commission, you will be served with the application by the Registry and you will have an opportunity to contest the application by filing  a response. 

Critical Information

  • Failing to submit a response will not prevent the Commission from enquiring into and dealing with the application, but it might prevent the Commission from taking your viewpoint into account when it does.
  • Even if you choose not to be involved, a decision might be made against you.

Please refer to the Commission's Fact Sheets for further guidance on proceedings at the Commission.