Protecting Healthcare Workers: Reforming Policy for Equity and Safety in Australian Healthcare

This report explores the prevalence and consequences of unacceptable workplace behaviours—bullying, discrimination, and harassment—in the Australian healthcare system. These behaviours negatively affect healthcare workers' mental, emotional, and physical well-being, reduce job satisfaction, and compromise the quality of patient care. From an ethical standpoint, they violate principles of autonomy, equity, and duty of care. Legally, such behaviours breach the Fair Work Act and anti-discrimination laws, with non-compliance leading to significant penalties for individuals and organisations. The report discusses regulatory frameworks by AHPRA, Safe Work Australia, and the Fair Work Commission, which oversee compliance and enforce legal consequences. Strategies to combat these issues include improving workplace policies, providing training and awareness programs, establishing peer support systems, and fostering equity-focused leadership. The report concludes by stressing the need for continued research and policy reform to create safer, more inclusive healthcare environments and prevent further workforce shortages in Australia’s healthcare sector.