Discrimination, Harassment and Bullying Statement for Employees, Contractors and Volunteers

• Introduction

Everyone at LIVING SCHOOL (School) has the legal obligation not to discriminate against, or harass for any unlawful reason, or bully for any reason any employee, agent, contractor, supplier, volunteer, parent, student or visitor.

The School expects all staff members to treat each other and other people with whom they come into contact as representatives of the School with respect and courtesy.

The purpose of the School’s Discrimination, Harassment and Bullying Statement is to make you aware of:

1. what ‘unlawful workplace discrimination’, ‘harassment’ and ‘bullying’ mean;
2. the procedures the School has in place to deal with workplace complaints relating to discrimination, harassment and bullying; and
3. who you can talk to at the School if you wish to make a complaint. 

• Who does this statement apply to?

This Statement applies to all employees, contractors and volunteers engaged by the School and applies to behaviour:

1. in the workplace, including while working outside normal working hours;
2. while undertaking work activities including interaction with parents or other third parties and while working away from the School (e.g. School trips or sport activities); and
3. at work-related events e.g. conferences and social functions.

• What is unlawful discrimination?

3.1 Defining unlawful discrimination 

Discrimination is treating one person or group less favourably than another or causing them disadvantage.  Unlawful discrimination is discrimination which law has defined as unacceptable.

There are a number of Federal and State laws which presently make discrimination unlawful on a variety of grounds (unlawful reasons) including: 

1. sex, marital or relationship status, pregnancy, breastfeeding or family responsibilities;
2. sexuality or sexual preference;
3. race, colour, descent, nationality, national origin, ethnicity or ethno-religious origin;
4. religious belief or activity;
5. political belief or activity;
6. trade union activity;
7. disability or impairment;
8. transgender status or gender identity;
9. age; 
10. responsibilities as a carer; or 
11. service in the voluntary defence forces. 

Whether it is unlawful to discriminate against a person for one of these reasons will depend on the particular circumstances and the State or Territory in which you are employed.

ASSOCIATED POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

 COMPLAINTS HANDLING

Review: January 2027