We understand differences of opinion and conflict exist in all healthy and vibrant communities. We approach our work in the spirit of solidarity and good will to navigate disagreements in a constructive way.

We know we cannot guarantee that no harmful behaviour will occur in Antipoverty Centre spaces. This page includes information about options for people to raise concerns or lodge complaints regarding the conduct of people involved in the Antipoverty Centre and processes we will follow when issues could amount to misconduct. The following documents govern standards of conduct for all Antipoverty Centre members, volunteers and paid contributors:

• Statement of Principles
• Volunteer and Contributor Agreement
• Data Access and Confidentiality Agreement

Members must also uphold the constitution.

Complaints handling principles

• Anyone who has concerns about the conduct of an Antipoverty Centre member in breach of our principles, contributor agreement or data access agreement may raise these concerns with us, whether or not they are formally involved in our activities.
• People wanting to raise concerns with us can do so informally, or by lodging a complaint, or both.
• We will handle complaints promptly with confidentiality, consent and seeking natural justice.
• We aim to handle complaints without the involvement of legal authorities unless this is requested by the complainant, or the involvement of authorities is required to ensure the personal safety of all people involved in the Antipoverty Centre.
• Complainants may provide us with information directly or via an independent third party, and advise us of actions they would like us to consider.
• Information can be provided in writing or verbally.
• There is no time limit on submitting a complaint, which can be done during or after a person’s involvement in our work at a time that is appropriate for them.

Approach to receiving and responding to concerns and complaints

We will consider requests from a person raising concerns about how to approach the issues raised. If a complainant wants us to take action but does not have specific requests for potential processes or outcomes, we will take the actions below to attempt a resolution:

• The person, or someone acting on their behalf, may submit a complaint to one or all members of the committee. If your complaint is about a committee member, you may approach any other committee member or a co-coordinator.
• If a complaint is received via one committee member, it will be shared with all committee members. In a case where a committee member is the subject of a complaint they will not be included in this process and will not receive information provided to any other committee member about their conduct without the consent of the complainant.
• In accordance with ACNC requirements, after being made aware of a complaint committee members will be asked to disclose any conflict of interest (which includes potential or perceived conflict of interest) and will be excluded from the rest of the process if a conflict is identified.
• The person raising concerns with us will be asked to nominate a preferred contact for communication regarding the complaint. They may nominate a third party to liaise with us on their behalf.
• Committee members will review all available information and make any adjustments to the proposed process if appropriate.
• The committee will advise in writing whether the complaint has been accepted, whether more information is required, what proposed process will be followed, and who will be involved. The committee will seek feedback from the complainant on their proposed approach.
• The committee will invite the complainant to meet with us and share their concerns. The meeting can include a support person, and a support person may be present at all relevant times in this process. The complainant may share desired outcomes with the committee at this time, or at a later date.
• The subject of the complaint will be invited to meet with the committee and respond to the concerns raised. If the subject of the complaint refuses to engage in any process they may be removed from the organisation.
• If mediation is requested and appropriate, the committee will engage an external professional mediator and the Antipoverty Centre will cover the full cost of services. We will seek to identify a mediator with an abolitionist approach, and who can guide our processes and conversations in a culturally safe manner.
• The committee may determine that it is necessary to take disciplinary action as a result of the complaint or remove someone from the Antipoverty Centre. Proposed actions or outcomes will be discussed with all parties to the complaint.
• An external investigator may be appointed based on the severity of behaviour that is the subject of the complaint.
• If a person who is the subject of the complaint leaves the Antipoverty Centre the committee may be unable to proceed with any investigation or remedial action