12:34 pm, Friday 1 June, 2012

Prime Minister Julia Gillard has announced a national review into workplace bullying and harassment.

The review aims to look at the nature, cause and extent of workplace bullying and examine proposals to prevent bullying cultures from evolving. It also aims to help individuals who have been victims of workplace bullying to return to work.

News.com.au reports that the Prime Minister has referred the issue of bullying to the House of Representatives standing committee on education and employment and said that she has a personal interest on its findings.

“Bullying at work is a real threat for far too many workers. It needs to end,” said Ms Gillard.

“There’s a huge human cost, but it hits the economy too. Up to $36 billion is lost at work every year because of bullying.

“I am taking a personal interest in this inquiry into bullying and will be looking at the evidence and the possible answers.”

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, the Productivity Commission estimates that the total cost of workplace bullying in Australia is between $6 billion and $36 billion annually.

Workplace bullying is considered the second highest cause of workers’ compensation psychological claims, with 24 percent of all claims made due to bullying. In 2008, New South Wales had the highest level of workplace bullying after Tasmania.

 

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