One in three ACT mental stress claims tied to bullying
WorkSafe ACT data shows bullying and harassment caused 38 per cent of 271 accepted mental stress claims in two years.
The healthcare and social assistance sector recorded the most claims, accounting for 31 per cent of the total. Women filed 62 per cent of accepted claims, while workers aged 25 to 34 made up the largest age group.
Mental stress ranks sixth among injury mechanisms in the territory. A migrant worker won a Federal Circuit and Family Court case against her manager, with the judge awarding her $50,000 in damages and $40,000 in penalties.
Another case involved a Snowy Hydro 2.0 engineer who received $15,000 after the Fair Work Commission found his dismissal unfair, highlighting ongoing workplace disputes across the ACT. WorkSafe says employers must identify and manage psychosocial hazards or face legal consequences.
- 271
- Mental stress claims accepted
- 38 per cent
- Bullying as cause
- $50,000 damages + $40,000 penalties
- Migrant worker damages
- 62 per cent
- Women claimants
Why it mattersThe data expose widespread psychological harm in ACT workplaces, with most claims concentrated in healthcare and care sectors.
AustraliaACT workers, especially in healthcare, face significant bullying; employers must take legal steps to prevent psychological injury or pay compensation.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
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