Inappropriate behaviour

If you have experienced or witnessed inappropriate behaviour in a Commonwealth parliamentary workplace that has caused you harm—whether physical or emotional—the PWSS can provide trauma-informed support, early intervention and resolution. Please call the PWSS at 1800 747 977 - option 1,
to discuss. You can remain anonymous while receiving support.

In some instances, matters raised may be criminal in nature. In these cases, with your consent, we can assist you to contact the relevant authorities. 

If you or others are in immediate physical danger, call 000 now.

Parliamentary behaviour codes and standards make it clear that bullying, harassment, sexual harassment or assault, or discrimination in any form, will not be tolerated, condoned or ignored.

This may include instances of:

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Discrimination, including racial discrimination

Definition of discrimination is when a person is treated less favourably, or not given the same opportunities, as others in a similar situation, because of a particular personal characteristic such as sex, age, race, gender, disability, religion or sexual orientation.
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Bullying and Harassment

Bullying occurs when a person or a group of people repeatedly behave unreasonably towards you and the behaviour creates a risk to your health and safety. Harassment is unwelcome verbal or physical behaviour that intimidates, offends, belittles or humiliates a person or a group of employees because of particular personal characteristics.
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Sexual Harassment

Definition of Sexual harassment is unlawful under the Sex Discrimination Act 1984 (Cth) and may be an offence under Australian criminal law depending on the conduct.
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Other Workplace Conflict

If you experience or witness behaviour in a Commonwealth parliamentary workplace that creates a risk to your health or safety, please call the PWSS at 1800 747 977 - option 1,
to discuss. You can remain anonymous while receiving support.

When matters raised may be criminal in nature, with your consent we can assist you to contact the relevant authorities. If you or others are in immediate physical danger, call 000 now.
Topic

Assault

Definition of Assault is any act that is intended to cause you injury or harm. Assault is a criminal offence in Australia.
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Resources

We can support you and connect you to other support services.

You can contact a PWSS case coordinator 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Phone: 1800 PH PWSS (1800 747 977)

Email: support@PWSS.gov.au

Text: 0487 112 755

In person: The PWSS office is located in M2.105 at Parliament House. The PWSS office is staffed from 8:30 am to 7:00 pm (AEDT/AEST) Monday to Wednesday during sitting weeks, and 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (AEDT/AEST) on all other business days. PWSS Counselling and Support team members are available to meet with you face-to-face or virtually at a time that suits you.

Meetings can be arranged either at Parliament House or offsite.

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