The legal definition of workplace bullying is outlined in the Fair Work Act as "unreasonable behaviour...that creates a risk to health and safety", and does not include "reasonable management action".
Giri Sivaraman employment law principal at Maurice Blackburn ((MOR-iss BLAK-bern)) lawyers, has represented alleged victims of workplace bullying.
He says the definition of what is reasonable behaviour is often the most contentious issue.
Factors that have been considered by the Fair Work Commission as bullying include "...intimidation, threats, humiliation, shouting, sarcasm and victimisation", as well as "malicious pranks, physical, verbal and emotional abuse, harassment and isolation, rumour-mongering, disrespect, and discrimination*".
Listen to the full feature in Arabic above
