In My How to report bullying and make a stop-bullying application
Writing it down makes it real, and that's frightening. It's also the single most useful thing you can do, because a clear written report triggers a process instead of leaving you at the mercy of a quiet word that gets ignored. Here's how it works in Australia.
Start inside — usually
In most cases it helps to report through your employer's grievance or bullying policy first, in writing, to HR or your manager (or their manager if the manager is the problem). Employers have a work-health-and-safety duty to manage bullying, so a written report puts them on notice and starts a record.
The Fair Work Commission stop-bullying application
If you're still employed and the bullying is continuing, you can apply to the FWC for a stop-bullying order (Form F72 — no fee). Remember what it is and isn't: it's forward-looking (it aims to make the bullying stop), so it's for people still at work; it does not award compensation. If you've been dismissed or want compensation, that's a different route (general protections / unfair dismissal — 21-day deadline — or a discrimination complaint).
What to put in a report
- Facts, dated, in order. What happened, when, where, who was present. Show the repetition — the FWC test is repeated unreasonable behaviour.
- Exact words where you can. Quote what was said; attach messages, emails, screenshots.
- The impact on your health and safety — the risk to your wellbeing is central to the FWC test.
- What you're asking for — that it stop, and any interim step you need.
- Keep it factual and calm. Clarity is more powerful than anger on paper.
A simple structure you can adapt
"To [HR / manager]. I am formally reporting workplace bullying. On [dates], [person] repeatedly [what happened, in plain factual terms] — see the dated summary and attachments. This is affecting my health and safety by [briefly]. I'm asking that this be addressed and that it stop, and that [any interim step]. Please confirm receipt and the steps you'll take. [Name, date]."
Keep a copy on a personal device before you send it. If nothing changes and you're still employed, the FWC stop-bullying route is there — and the Fair Work Ombudsman offers free advice on your options.
You don't have to work this out alone. In My Corner is a team of five AI companions for exactly this — one who listens, one who decodes letters and knows your deadlines, one who keeps your evidence organised, one for fresh starts, one who teaches. Private by design: conversations are never stored on our servers.
Talk it through — In My Corner