The University of Sydney is committed to taking proactive steps to prevent and eliminate all forms of unlawful workplace conduct, including harassment, discrimination, bullying and sexual misconduct.
This commitment has led to the establishment of the Respect@Work Program to foster a safe, respectful and inclusive University community for all staff.
If you have any feedback, please contact us at respect.at-work@sydney.edu.au
In 2022, amendments called Respect at Work were made to the Sex Discrimination Act 1984 (SDA) (Cth), introducing an enforceable obligation for organisations and businesses to take reasonable and proportionate steps to eliminate the following relevant unlawful conduct, as far as possible:
The Australian Human Rights Commission has labelled this obligation as a positive duty. The University has extended our positive duty beyond sexual harassment and sexual discrimination by making a commitment to taking reasonable and proportionate steps to eliminate all forms of unlawful workplace conduct through our Enterprise Agreement obligations.
The Respect@Work Program was established in thorough consultation with staff and stakeholders of the University community to ensure our positive duty is achieved and maintained.
An Action Plan has been developed, outlining strategic deliverables across 2024-26, that fall under the seven standards identified by the Australian Human Rights Commission.
The implementation of the Action Plan is being considered through the guiding principles outlined by the Australian Human Rights Commission: