Are you experiencing sexual harassment and/or bullying at work? Do you need guidance, support or practical information to help you make sense of what’s happening? Australia has numerous organisations offering practical support and resources, including legal advice, complaint processes, mental health services and educational tools aimed at preventing harassment and bullying.

First steps – someone to talk to

A number of organisations offer free, confidential advice, support and counselling. This can be a very good way to begin to understand what is happening and what your options are. See also the list of organisations offering broad wellbeing support.

1800RESPECT

1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) is a national confidential counselling and support service for those affected by sexual harassment, assault and domestic violence. It offers 24/7 support via phone or online chat.

Full Stop

Full Stop (1800 FULL STOP or 1800 385 578) offers free telephone, online or face-to-face counselling for people impacted by sexual, domestic or family violence with trained trauma specialists.  

Mates in Construction

Mates in Construction (1300 642 111) offers a support line and case management for everyone in the construction industry who need help and support. This service includes architects and other consultants.

Fair Work Commission

The Fair Work Commission (FWC) is Australia’s national workplace relations tribunal. Its primary role is to resolve disputes, create and enforce employment conditions, and manage certain legal aspects of workplace relationships.

The FWC website offers comprehensive advice and resources on harassment and bullying. It has distinct processes for handling cases of workplace bullying and sexual harassment. While both are serious issues, the FWC treats them differently based on legislation and the nature of the complaints. Workers can lodge ‘Stop Bullying’ or ‘Stop Sexual Harassment’ applications if they are experiencing these issues at work.

Website: Fair Work Commission

Fair Work Ombudsman

The Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) is responsible for ensuring that workers and employers comply with Australian workplace laws, with a focus on education, compliance and enforcement. The FWO provides a range of information and assistance aimed at preventing disputes through education and compliance monitoring.

The FWO website provides comprehensive advice on bullying, sexual harassment and discrimination at work, including advice on the different ways you can make a complaint about workplace sexual harassment.

Website: Fair Work Ombudsman

Australian Human Rights Commission

The Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) is responsible for handling complaints about workplace sexual harassment and discrimination. They offer free complaint resolution services and have resources on rights and obligations for both employers and employees.

Website: Australian Human Rights Commission

Respect@Work website

Respect@Work is a national resource dedicated to preventing and addressing workplace sexual harassment, established as a response to the Respect@Work report. The website provides information, education and advice to both workers and employers on preventing sexual harassment.

Website: Respect@Work

Work health and safety

Safe Work Australia is a national policy body working to achieve healthier, safer and more productive workplaces through improvements to work health and safety and workers’ compensation arrangements. Developing policy is their main focus, aiming to reduce workplace harm and injury and reduce exposure to hazards and risks at work, such as harassment and bullying.

The states and territories regulate and enforce WHS laws and administer workers’ compensation schemes in their jurisdictions. 

Safe Work Australia

Safe Work Australia offers guidelines on how to manage and report workplace bullying and sexual harassment, along with resources for workers’ rights and responsibilities.

Website: Safe Work Australia

State- and Territory-Based Work Safety Authorities

Each state and territory has its own work safety authority that provides assistance for bullying and harassment claims. These agencies typically enforce local laws around workplace safety, bullying and harassment. For example:

There are eight legal aid commissions in Australia – one for each state and territory. Their role is to provide vulnerable and disadvantaged Australians with access to justice. Legal aid commissions provide free or low-cost legal advice for individuals facing workplace issues, including harassment and bullying. They also offer a range of online resources related to harassment, discrimination and bullying.

Trade unions

Many trade unions offer support and legal advice to members on workplace harassment and bullying. Union members often have access to advocacy services, legal representation and guidance on how to handle workplace complaints.

  • The Australian Unions Support Centre provides free and confidential assistance about workplace issues (phone: 1300 486 466). 
  • Professional Architects Australia is part of Professionals Australia, the union that represents architects, interior and landscape designers, architectural students and graduates in Australia. The higher membership levels include access to employment law and industrial advice.

Wellbeing resources & support

Beyond Blue

Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636) provides mental health support, with resources specifically aimed at workplace stress, bullying and harassment.

Lifeline Australia

Lifeline Australia (13 11 14) offers 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention services. It’s helpful for individuals experiencing severe distress due to workplace bullying or harassment.

13YARN

13YARN (13 92 76) 24/7 culturally safe crisis support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Mensline

Mensline (1300 78 99 78) 24/7 confidential counselling and support for men.

Also see Reporting sexual harassment and bullying for an outline of options for formally reporting harassment and bullying, and #MeToo – What to do if you’re Being Harassed for an outline of options and first steps.