Commonwealth Workplace Protection Orders 2024

# Commonwealth Workplace Protection Orders 2024 ## What it does This bill creates a new legal tool that lets Australian federal public servants and people working in Commonwealth workplaces get court orders to protect themselves from violence or threats at work. It's similar to domestic violence restraining orders, but specifically for workplace harassment and violence. The orders can be temporary (urgent or interim) or permanent, and can include conditions like keeping away from the victim or the workplace. ## Why it matters Federal employees currently have limited legal protections if they're being threatened or attacked by colleagues or visitors at their workplace. This bill fills that gap by giving them a faster, dedicated court process to stop dangerous behaviour before it escalates — without having to wait for criminal charges or rely on their employer alone. ## Key details - **Who it covers**: Commonwealth workers (federal public servants and contractors) and visitors to Commonwealth workplaces - **Types of orders available**: Urgent interim orders (made quickly in emergencies), interim orders (short-term protection while a case is decided), final orders (long-term), and consent orders (agreed between both parties) - **What orders can do**: Prevent someone from contacting the worker, coming near them or their workplace, or engaging in threatening behaviour — the court decides the specific conditions based on each case