Equality and Diversity Centre

About the Equality and Diversity Centre

Equal opportunity at work

Disability support services

Student equity

Harassment and discrimination complaints

Policies and procedures

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Making a complaint

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Latrobe University has a commitment to assisting in resolving issues which cause difficulties for students or staff. Our aim is to achieve satisfactory outcomes for all concerned.

For those with a complaint of sexual harassment or discrimination the University has a Sexual Harassment, Harassment and Discrimination Policy (PDF 50KB) and Procedures for complaints that cannot be resolved informally.

Options when making a complaint

Any staff or student of the University who believes that they have experienced sexual harassment, harassment or discrimination has the right to seek to resolve this matter in any of the following ways:

1. To confront the other party by themselves.
2. To discuss the matter with:
   
   • a senior member of the relevant area or Faculty e.g. a Dean, a Head of School or Department Manager or supervisor;
   • the Campus Manager at the Shepparton, Mildura and Beechworth campuses;
   • the Equality and Diversity Centre, Bundoora, the Equal Opportunity Officer at the Bendigo Campus or Albury Wodonga Campus, the Disability Contact Officer, Bundoora or a University Counsellor.
   • the Manager (Security)
3. To consult a Harassment and discrimination contact officer or a conciliator.
4. To consult the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Equity and Student Services) or the Director (Personnel) where it is anticipated a formal process may need to be invoked.

Consulting a contact officer

Harassment and discrimination contact officer provide a first point of contact for any person who believes they has experienced some form of sexual harassment, harassment or discrimination or has any questions in relation to such matters. Contact Officers must act with confidentiality, impartiality and in no way become involved in any activity that resembles receiving a complaint or conciliation.

Contact Officers provide initial advice on Policy and Procedures including:

• the person's option to confront the situation personally
• speak to a Conciliator to pursue the Conciliation process
• the person's option to seek advice from the Equal Opportunity Commission and the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission
• referral to other appropriate areas, including:
  • informing the inquirer to approach the Manager (Security) or Police if a criminal offence
  • Manager or Supervisor
  • Counselling Service
  • University Ombudsman
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Personnel Services (if an industrial relations issue)
  • external professional organisations that may provide advice and support

Note that the University will not become involved (other than in a support or referral role) if a crime has occurred. In this case the Contact Officer should refer the Enquirer to report to the Police and/or University Security.

If, after providing advice to an Enquirer, conciliation is sought, a Contact Officer will provide the name and contact details of an appropriate Conciliator who may then be approached.