HREOC Principles of Natural Justice

The University of New England is committed to the elimination of all forms of harassment and discrimination. Any investigation carried out under University policy will be conducted in accordance with due process to ensure the principles of natural justice are adhered to. All parties to an investigation are also directed to maintain in strictest confidentiality the matters under investigation, as specified in the University’s policy and procedures. Links to these policies and procedures can be found on the UNE Equity Policies web page. A brief outline of the HREOC Principles of Natural Justice appear below.

The following principles are identified by the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission (HREOC)

The person who is the subject of concern must know all the allegations in relation to their behaviour.

• they must have a full opportunity to put their case

• all parties to the complaint must have the right to be heard

• all relevant submissions and evidence must be considered

• the employer must not take into account matters that are not relevant

• theperson who lays the charge must not determine the charge

• the decision-maker must be fair and just

These principles are commonly understood to elaborate the process of natural justice and they form the basis of training of employers by the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission (HREOC) into the provision of natural justice in the handling of grievances in the discrimination jurisdiction.