admin@nationalskills.com.au
Phone 1300 417 006
Suite 245 4/16-18 Beenleigh-Redland Bay Rd
Loganholme QLD 4129
Australia

Anti-Vilification Policy and Code of Conduct

National Skills Pty Ltd

1. Purpose 

The purpose of this Anti-Vilification Policy and Code of Conduct policy is to establish National Skills’ commitment to providing a learning and working environment free from vilification, discrimination, and harassment based on race, religion, ethnicity, cultural background, gender, sexuality, disability, or any other protected attribute. This policy ensures that all staff and students are protected from potential vilification regarding race and religion, including antisemitism. 

 

2. Scope 

This policy applies to: 

  • All employees (full-time, part-time, and casual) 

  • Contractors, consultants, and volunteers 

  • All students enrolled in programs delivered by National Skills 

  • Any person participating in National Skills activities, events, or online platforms 

This policy covers all interactions occurring within the training environment, online learning platforms, workplace placements, and any National Skills related activities. 

 

3. Regulatory Alignment 

This policy is developed in alignment with: 

  • Outcome Standard 2.5 (Diversity and Inclusion) – The learning environment promotes and supports the diversity of VET students 

  • Outcome Standard 2.6 (Wellbeing) – The wellbeing needs of the VET student cohort are identified and strategies are put in place to support these needs 

  • Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (Cth) 

  • Racial and Religious Tolerance Act 2001 (Vic) and equivalent state/territory legislation 

  • Australian Human Rights Commission Act 1986 (Cth) 

  • Sex Discrimination Act 1984 (Cth) 

  • Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth) 

 

4. Definitions 

4.1 Vilification 

Vilification is any public act that incites hatred, serious contempt, revulsion, or severe ridicule against a person or group based on a protected attribute, including but not limited to race, religion, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, or disability. 

4.2 Antisemitism 

Antisemitism is a form of racial and religious vilification directed at Jewish people. It includes prejudice, hostility, discrimination, or violence against Jewish individuals or communities, denial or distortion of the Holocaust, conspiracy theories targeting Jewish people, and holding Jewish people collectively responsible for the actions of the State of Israel. 

4.3 Islamophobia 

Islamophobia refers to prejudice, hostility, or discrimination directed toward Muslim individuals or communities based on their religion, religious practices, or perceived association with Islam. 

4.4 Racism 

Racism is any conduct, attitude, or systemic practice that discriminates against, excludes, or disadvantages individuals or groups based on their race, colour, descent, national origin, or ethnic origin. 

4.5 Religious Vilification 

Religious vilification is conduct that incites hatred, serious contempt, or severe ridicule of a person or group based on their religious belief or activity. 

4.6 Protected Attributes 

Protected attributes under this policy include but are not limited to: race, colour, national or ethnic origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, intersex status, disability, age, marital or relationship status, pregnancy, family responsibilities, political opinion, and social origin. 

 

5. Policy Statements 

5.1 Zero Tolerance 

National Skills maintains a zero-tolerance approach to vilification in any form. All staff and students are entitled to participate in training and assessment in an environment that is free from vilification, intimidation, and harassment. 

5.2 Inclusive Learning Environment 

National Skills is committed to creating a culturally safe learning environment where: 

  • All individuals are treated with dignity and respect regardless of their background 

  • Cultural, religious, and linguistic diversity is valued and celebrated 

  • Students and staff can express their cultural identity without fear of discrimination or vilification 

  • First Nations peoples are supported through culturally safe practices 

  • Reasonable adjustments are made to accommodate diverse needs 

5.3 Protecting Students and Staff from Vilification 

National Skills takes the following proactive steps to protect students and staff from vilification regarding race and religion, including antisemitism: 

  • Embedding anti-vilification expectations in student orientation and enrolment processes 

  • Including anti-vilification clauses in student handbooks, staff handbooks, codes of conduct, and enrolment agreements 

  • Training all staff on recognising and responding to vilification, including antisemitism and Islamophobia 

  • Monitoring online learning environments and communication platforms for vilifying content 

  • Establishing clear, accessible, and confidential reporting mechanisms 

  • Taking prompt disciplinary action in response to substantiated complaints 

  • Providing culturally appropriate support services to affected individuals 

 

6. Code of Conduct 

6.1 Expected Behaviours 

All staff and students of National Skills are expected to: 

  • Treat all individuals with dignity, courtesy, and respect 

  • Value and respect cultural, religious, and linguistic diversity 

  • Refrain from any form of vilification, harassment, bullying, or discriminatory behaviour 

  • Challenge vilifying behaviour when it is safe to do so, or report it promptly 

  • Use inclusive and respectful language in all communications, including online platforms 

  • Respect the religious observances, cultural practices, and dietary requirements of others 

  • Participate in diversity and inclusion training as required 

  • Cooperate with any investigation into alleged vilification or discrimination 

6.2 Prohibited Behaviours 

The following behaviours are strictly prohibited and may result in disciplinary action: 

  • Making derogatory remarks, slurs, jokes, or comments about a person’s race, religion, ethnicity, or any protected attribute 

  • Displaying, distributing, or sharing vilifying material, symbols, or imagery (including online or via social media) 

  • Inciting hatred or contempt against individuals or groups based on race or religion 

  • Engaging in antisemitic, Islamophobic, or racist behaviour of any kind 

  • Excluding, isolating, or marginalising individuals based on protected attributes 

  • Denying, minimising, or glorifying historical atrocities including the Holocaust or other genocides 

  • Retaliating against a person who makes a complaint or participates in an investigation 

 

7. Reporting and Complaints 

National Skills provides multiple channels for reporting vilification: 

  • Directly to any staff member, trainer, or assessor 

  • To the Student Support Officer or Wellbeing Coordinator 

  • Via email to the designated complaints address 

  • Through the formal complaints and appeals process outlined in the Complaints and Appeals Policy 

All complaints will be treated seriously and with confidentiality, investigated promptly, fairly, and impartially, and resolved within 20 working days where possible. All complaints will be documented and records maintained securely. 

Where vilification constitutes a criminal offence, National Skills may refer the matter to the relevant authorities, including police. 

 

8. Consequences for Breach 

8.1 Students 

Students who breach this policy may face consequences including: 

  • Formal warning and counselling 

  • Required participation in education or awareness training 

  • Suspension from classes or online platforms 

  • Cancellation of enrolment in serious or repeated cases 

  • Referral to external authorities where criminal conduct is involved 

8.2 Staff 

Staff who breach this policy may face consequences including: 

  • Formal warning and performance management 

  • Required completion of anti-vilification or cultural competency training 

  • Suspension from duties pending investigation 

  • Termination of employment or contract in serious or repeated cases 

  • Referral to external authorities where criminal conduct is involved 

 

9. Support Services 

National Skills will ensure affected individuals have access to internal student support and wellbeing services, referral to external counselling services, information about lodging complaints with external bodies, and culturally appropriate support where needed. 

External resources include: 

  • Australian Human Rights Commission: 1300 656 419 

  • Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14 

  • Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 

  • 1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732 

 

10. Education and Awareness 

National Skills is committed to ongoing education about vilification, including antisemitism, through: 

  • Mandatory anti-vilification and cultural safety training for all staff during induction and annually thereafter 

  • Inclusion of diversity and anti-vilification content in student orientation 

  • Regular review and updating of training materials to reflect current best practice 

  • Promotion of cultural awareness events and activities 

  • Seeking external education and professional development on antisemitism and religious vilification as it relates to RTO operations 

 

11. Policy Review 

This policy will be reviewed annually, or sooner if required due to changes in legislation, regulatory requirements, or organisational needs. Reviews will consider feedback from staff and students, complaint data, and emerging best practice in diversity, inclusion, and anti-vilification.