What you can do

Where possible, try to resolve the situation within your workplace.

You can begin this process by following these steps:

  • talking to someone about what you are experiencing and what you can do about it. e.g. your supervisor, manager, health and safety representative (HSR) or union representative.
  • checking if your workplace has internal reporting procedures and using them
  • if you feel safe and comfortable, telling the other person that you object to their behaviour and asking that it stop

Who to contact

If you don’t feel comfortable talking to anyone in your workplace, or if discussions break down, there are people and organisations who can support and advise you.

If you need support

The following services offer phone and online support:

  • Lifeline on 13 11 14 – 24-hour counselling service providing emotional support in times of crisis
  • Beyond blue on 1300 22 4636 for mental health support and advice
  • Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511 – 24-hour support service across NSW that can connect you with a mental health professional
  • Headspace – a national youth mental health foundation that helps young people between 12 and 25 who are going through a tough time – call them on 1800 650 890 or via email or instant chat at https://www.eheadspace.org.au/.

Your rights at work

Contact the Fair Work Ombudsman if the issue is about:

  • not being paid the right amount
  • being forced to do things against your will
  • being discriminated against
  • not getting the right amount of leave or other employment conditions
  • being threatened by your employer
  • a fraudulent contract.

Unfair dismissal

Contact the Fair Work Commission if the issue is about unfair dismissal or unlawful termination.

Violence or threats of violence

If you are subjected to immediate risk of violence, contact NSW Police. Contact NSW police if the issue involves physical violence or the threat of it, or contact us if it involves work-related violence.

A stop bullying order

If you believe you have been bullied at work, you may be eligible to apply to the Fair Work Commission for an order to stop the bullying. Fair work commission is not available to NSW public servants.

A stop sexual harassment order

If you believe you have been sexually harassed at work, you may be eligible to apply to the Fair Work Commission for an order to stop the sexual harassment.

Online bullying

You can find information about, and report, online bullying at image-based abuse at https://www.esafety.gov.au/

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