Discriminatory, coercive and misleading conduct

Guidance
This document provides guidance on Part 6 of the Work Health and Safety Act 2020 which prohibits discriminatory, coercive and misleading conduct in relation to work health and safety (WHS) matters.
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The Work Health and Safety Act 2020 (WHS Act) aims to provide a balanced and nationally consistent framework to protect the health and safety of workers and workplaces.

Part 6 (sections 104 – 115) of the WHS Act prohibits discriminatory, coercive and misleading conduct in relation to work health and safety (WHS) matters. These protections allow individuals to perform WHS roles and activities, as well as raise health and safety issues or concerns at their workplace, without fear of discrimination or coercion.

Both criminal and civil actions can be brought against a person who engages in discriminatory, coercive or misleading conduct in relation to WHS matters.