Australian policy and legislation
All schools in Australia are required to have a bullying policy, to ensure student safety. These school bullying policies are shaped by both Commonwealth legislation and state and territory education department polices. Legislation ensures legal accountability, while policies provide clear actions for schools to follow in tackling bullying.
Commonwealth legislation
Commonwealth legislation relevant to bullying, harassment, discrimination and violence includes:
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Disability Discrimination Act 1992
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Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission (HREOC) Act 1986
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Racial Discrimination Act 1975
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Racial Hatred Act 1995
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Sex Discrimination Act 1984.
The Attorney-General's Department provides information and access to various Commonwealth state and territory acts relating to human rights and anti-discrimination.
Policies
Policies are frequently amended and updated. A small number of relevant policy links are listed below by jurisdiction. For more detailed and current information regarding any policy, it is best to refer to the website of your local education authority.
The Catholic Education Commission in each state and territory has relevant information for catholic schools. Independent schools are autonomous and governed by their own school boards. For policies regarding an independent school, contact the school directly.
Federal Government
Relevant federal policies can be located on the Australian Government’s Department of Education website.
Australian Capital Territory
- Education Directorate
- Safe and Supportive schools Policy
- Online safety and security
- Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn
- Association of Independent Schools of the ACT
New South Wales
- NSW Department of Education
- Student Behaviour policy
- NSW anti-bullying website
- Catholic Schools NSW
- Association of Independent Schools of NSW
Northern Territory
- NT Department of Education
- Northern Territory Catholic Education Office
- Association of Independent Schools of the Northern Territory
Queensland
- QLD Department of Education
- Student Code of Conduct
- Inclusive education policy
- Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL)
- Supporting students’ wellbeing and mental health
- Queensland Catholic Education Commission
- Independent Schools Queensland
South Australia
- Department for Education SA
- Bullying prevention and response tools and resources for all school staff.
- Cyber-safety, bullying and harassment
- Behaviour management and safety
- Catholic Education South Australia
- Association of Independent Schools of South Australia
Tasmania
- Department of Education, Children and Young People
- Respectful relationships - Bullying Stops Here
- Catholic Education Tasmania
- Independent Schools Tasmania