Discrimination, harassment and bullying
At TasTAFE, we are committed to providing an environment free from discrimination, harassment and bullying for both learners and staff. If at any time, you feel you have experienced discrimination, bullying or harassment, please make a time to speak to your teacher. They will be able to provide you with confidential support and information and discuss the options and additional support available to you.
If you don’t feel comfortable speaking with your teacher, you can make an appointment to speak to a Student Counsellor, who will be able to support you. Be assured that any conversations you have with TasTAFE Student Counsellors are strictly confidential, and no action will be taken without your permission (except in circumstances where Mandatory escalation is required such as risk of harm (to self or others) or legal/ethical obligations (e.g. safeguarding, child protection).
Learners have the option to submit a complaint if they wish the matter to be reviewed or addressed through TasTAFE’s official process. Complaints can be submitted through the TasTAFE website, via our Complaints Form at Client Central, by emailing feedback@tafe.tas.edu.au or for learners with additional accessibility requirements, by phoning 1300 655 307. Once submitted, your complaint will be handled sensitively, and you will be kept informed about the progress and outcome. You are welcome to seek assistance from a Student Counsellor at any stage of this process. There is more information about the TasTAFE complaint process here.
There is more information about other available support services here.
Discrimination
Discrimination may be direct, in that it takes place if a person treats another person on the basis of any prescribed attribute, imputed prescribed attribute or a characteristic imputed to that attribute less favourably than a person without that attribute or characteristic. It is also discrimination when a person is disadvantaged compared to other people because they have a particular characteristic.
Discrimination can also be indirect, in that it takes place when a person imposes a condition, requirement or practice that is unreasonable in the circumstances and has the effect of disadvantaging a member of a group to a greater extent than that of any other person or group.
A person must not discriminate against another person on any of the following grounds:
- age
- breastfeeding
- carer responsibilities
- disability
- family responsibilities
- gender or gender identity
- industrial activity
- intersex status
- intersex variations of sex characteristics
- irrelevant criminal record
- irrelevant medical record
- lawful sexual activity
- marital/relationship status
- parental status
- political activity
- political belief or affiliation
- pregnancy
- race
- religious activity
- religious belief or affiliation
- sexual orientation
- association with a person who has, or is believed to have, any of these attributes.
Harassment
Harassment refers to behaviour that it is unwelcome, uninvited, unreciprocated and is often repeated.
Common types of harassment include:
- bullying
- intimidation
- inciting hatred or hostility based on a protected attribute
- sexual harassment
- displaying offensive material
- cyberbullying (via social media, messaging apps, email)
Antisemitism Statement
TasTAFE is committed to fostering a safe, respectful and inclusive learning environment that is free from antisemitism, hostility, harassment and intimidation. Every learner, staff member and visitor has the right to participate fully in their learning, work and campus life, supported by an environment built on respect, fairness and safety. TasTAFE recognises that antisemitism, like all forms of racism, discrimination and vilification, undermines a person’s ability to participate as an equal member of the community and has no place within our organisation.
TasTAFE has adopted a practical, non-legally binding definition of antisemitism based on the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition. This definition provides guidance to support consistent understanding and application across our community:
‘Antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities.’
TasTAFE acknowledges that the IHRA definition makes room for legitimate academic discussion and political debate. It also recognises that criticism of the State of Israel when it is similar to the kind of criticism directed at any other country is not considered antisemitism. This clarification protects freedom of expression while ensuring we can still identify and address behaviour that is genuinely harmful, discriminatory, intimidating, vilifying or harassing.
This definition is being embedded within our codes of conduct, policies and procedures to ensure clear expectations and consistent responses. All members of the TasTAFE community, including staff, students and visitors, are expected to uphold behaviour that is safe, fair, respectful and lawful, whether in person, in written communications, online, through social media, or via any other digital platform, and will be held accountable for conduct that involves antisemitic rhetoric, discrimination, harassment, intimidation, vilification or other inappropriate behaviour.
TasTAFE is committed to providing accessible, fair and transparent processes for reporting, investigating and responding to complaints and incidents relating to antisemitic behaviour. Reports of antisemitism will be managed in accordance with relevant legislation, policy, procedural fairness requirements and TasTAFE’s commitment to providing a safe learning and working environment.
TasTAFE will support education, awareness and respectful dialogue across our community to help prevent antisemitism and promote understanding, inclusion and cultural safety.
TasTAFE stands for an inclusive community in which antisemitism, racism, religious discrimination, Islamophobia, harassment, bullying, vilification and all forms of unlawful discrimination are addressed decisively and unequivocally, supporting our ongoing commitment to a positive, welcoming and respectful learning environment for all.