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Give the complaint serious consideration
Seek an objective opinion about the behaviour
Where can I find more information about workplace bullying and harassment?
Being accused of bullying behaviour can be upsetting and come as a shock but it is important to be open to feedback from others, and if necessary, be prepared to change your behaviour.
Give the complaint serious consideration
Seek an objective opinion about the behaviour
- understand the issues
- suggest ways to address the matter with your colleague and manager
- manage your responses to the allegations.
Your manager, your Advice and Support Director or an HSR for your workgroup may be able to assist you to explore the options available to you within MOP(S) Act employment. Any discussion should be careful and strictly confidential. It is important not to unintentionally escalate the situation by discussing the issue openly.
If you believe the complaint is malicious, or you can demonstrate that you are being unjustly accused, you should discuss this with your manager or Advice and Support Director. It may be that an informal discussion between you, the person making the allegation and a third party will solve the problem.
Adjust unreasonable behaviour
If, after careful consideration, you believe that your behaviour is reasonable management action, you should discuss this with your supervisor, manager, or Advice and Support Director. Even in those circumstances, it may be possible to modify future management action to minimise the risk that others might find it unreasonable.
If you are found to have continued to bully someone after their objection to your bullying behaviour was made known to you, your persistence, or the fact that you have not modified your behaviour, is likely to be taken into account in disciplinary or other proceedings
Where can I find more information about workplace bullying and harassment?
For more information about workplace bullying and harassment:
HR support and resources
MOP(S) Act employees can access a range of HR support services provided by MaPS:
- The EAP provides independent professional counselling service to employees and their families/household. You can call our EAP provider, JLT Assure, on 1800 945 145, email info@assureprograms.com.au or book online at EAP Appointment Request.
- NewAccess workplaces is a free and confidential mental health coaching service available to all MOP(S) Act employees. You will be provided with 6 sessions with the coach, with a follow up session at one month and six months.
- The MaPS website has some useful Resources, including the Workplace Bullying and Harassment Policy.
- MaPS also has a WHS Library that has a series of health and wellbeing resources including articles, fact sheets and links to websites for information on WHS topics, including: bullying and harassment; workplace safety; self-help and more.
- It is also open to all employees to contact MaPS directly at mpshelp@finance.gov.au or by calling 6215 3333 for advice and support.