INTRODUCTION
The CPA opposes discrimination and harassment and is committed to creating an environment free from victimisation, intimidation, bullying or harassment.
Among Party cadre there is a high degree of appreciation for the need to respect the dignity and worthiness of every individual. This commitment applies to all in meetings and during Party-related activities and at social gatherings, wherever they may take place. Every cadre in the Party has a responsibility to maintain health, safety, and respect within the Party.
Comradeship ensures all cadre are treated with dignity and respect by their comrades within branches, the Party and at Party functions and activities. Party members should also keep high standards in their private lives.
PARTY CONSTITUTION
Rule 15 of the constitution deals with behaviour but the CC considers it is necessary to expand and clarify and update in a modern social context, things that are unacceptable within the Party and that risks bringing the Party into disrepute through personal behaviours. Cadre should be mindful and disciplined in all dealings and activity with the working class.
Victimisation, intimidation, bullying or harassment will not be tolerated in any Party organisation or within the mass movements in which we work.
The Party regards any form of victimisation, intimidation, bullying or harassment by a member as a serious disciplinary offence. In certain circumstances these behaviours could be regarded as gross misconduct and may result in expulsion from the Party.
Where a complaint is made, the Party will investigate and take action in accordance with the Party’s Constitution.
All members have a right to complain and all complaints will be fully and fairly investigated and remedied in the most appropriate way. Party members are encouraged and expected to report such incidents with the view of keeping the Party free from the risk of disrepute and to protect all comrades in the Party including potential members.
While all complaints and actions will be treated confidentially and sensitively the safety of other cadre will be paramount in deciding when and how much detail will be disclosed in accordance with the Party Constitution and Central Committee’s decisions.
UNACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOUR
While the following list is not definitive, unacceptable behaviour can involve obscene gestures, verbal abuse and threats, physical contact, harmful pranks or inappropriate phone, text, unwelcome email or social media messages, posts or comments.
It can also involve racist, sexist, sexual jokes or goading, intrusive questioning about someone’s personal life or culture, offensive language, taunts, name calling or insults, the spreading of inappropriate malicious gossip, offensive graffiti, intrusion by pestering, unwelcome gifts, or stalking, or physical, indecent or unwelcome sexual advances.
Generally, unacceptable behaviour is unwanted by the recipient, one sided, unwelcome, offensive and/or threatening. It is for the individual to determine what behaviour is unacceptable to them and what they regard as offensive.
Sexual attention becomes sexual harassment if it persists once it has been made clear that it is regarded by the recipient as offensive, unwelcome and unreciprocated. However, one incident of harassment may constitute discrimination if sufficiently serious. It is the unwanted nature of the conduct that distinguishes sexual harassment from friendly behaviour which is welcome and mutual. It can also mean making a sexual solicitation or advance where the person making the solicitation or advance is in a position that may create a perceived power imbalance.
Note: Positions in the CPA may be perceived by newer comrades as positions of power leading to a perceived power imbalance. It is important that comrades are informed that Party positions designate greater responsibility and obligation not power.
Violence is an event that means the threatened, attempted, or actual conduct of a person that causes, or is likely to cause, physical injury. These acts include threats, menacing or threatening behaviour, and all types of physical or verbal assaults.
GUIDELINES
What we ask of you:
- Treat everybody with dignity and respect.
- Ensure your own behaviour does not cause offence, humiliation, intimidation, or misunderstanding.
- Think before you make personal remarks or voice personal opinions that may compromise the rights of others to feel welcome, comfortable, or safe.
- Accept personal responsibility for challenging all forms of unacceptable behaviour, to ensure dignity and respect for all.
YOUR COOPERATION AND SUPPORT
We aim to have a Party that engages and shares our views, ideas, knowledge, and experiences. The Australian working class is incredibly diverse, so please be respectful of others and not engage in behaviour that excludes or alienates.
Trolls will not be tolerated, and we reserve the right to ban anyone from our community, so our standards and community are protected.
COMPLAINTS
Complaints should be made as soon as possible to prevent further injury to self or other comrades. Arrangements for addressing complaints alleging victimisation, intimidation, bullying or harassment should be dealt with (wherever possible) at branch level which may be formal and informal depending on the seriousness of the complaint. Complaints can be made directly to the branch meeting or with branch Executive members.
Comrades should be aware that, where necessary to keep others safe, it will be shared as needed; this could be with other Branch executives or with the General Secretary, President or the Control Commission.
Complaints can also be sent to mutual.respect@cpa.org.au
All complaints will be fully and fairly investigated and will be treated sensitively and confidentially.
Complaints will be dealt with according to the Party constitution.
Rule 3 – Duties of members p.3
Rule 15 – Breaches of Rules and decisions p.25
Rule 15A – Conduct at meetings p.26
Rule 16 – Members right of appeal p.27
By Laws:
1.Disciplinary procedures p.30