Section 8.1 of the Standards describes harassment as:

           (a)   in relation to a person with a disability, includes an action taken in relation to the person’s disability that is reasonably likely, in all the circumstances, to humiliate, offend, intimidate or distress the person; and

            (b)   in relation to a person who has an associate with a disability, includes an action taken in relation to the associate’s disability that is reasonably likely, in all the circumstances, to humiliate, offend, intimidate or distress the person or the associate. 

Harassment in education and training is unlawful. 

The effect of the following standards is to require strategies and programs to support the right of students with disabilities to education or training in an environment that is free from discrimination caused by harassment or victimisation on the basis of their disability.

The standards also support the right of students who have associates with disabilities to an educational environment free from discrimination, harassment or victimisation in relation to those disabilities.

The Standards describe how providers might provide an environment that is free from harassment and victimisation, including:

• Policies and procedures for staff and students explicitly prohibit harassment and victimisation of students with a disability and their associates

• Procedures for handling complaints of harassment and victimisation relating to disability are fair, transparent and accountable

• Students and staff are informed and reminded of their rights and responsibilities in maintaining an environment free from harassment and victimisation on the basis of disability

• Professional development programs ensure that policies, procedures and codes of conduct, including matters of harassment and victimisation, are known and understood by staff, and that staff are trained to detect, and deal with, harassment in education and training settings

• Any cases or complaints of harassment or victimisation on the basis of disability are handled promptly and with due regard to the severity of the matter.