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Code of conduct

Drought Resilience 2025 should be a safe, welcoming and respectful space.

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The Victoria Drought Hub values the diversity of views, expertise, opinions, backgrounds, and experiences reflected among attendees at Drought Resilience 2025.  We are committed to providing a respectful, safe, and welcoming environment for all participants at Drought Resilience 2025. All participants are expected to abide by the Drought Resilience 2025 Code of Conduct.

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For any questions or feedback about this policy, the dispute resolution process, or to report unacceptable behaviour related to this conference please contact the Drought Resilience 2025 organising committee at DroughtKnowledge@deakin.edu.au

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Expected Behaviour

All conference participants are expected to:

  • treat all participants with respect and consideration, valuing a diversity of views and opinions (including those you may not share);

  • show respect for other participants, being mindful to critique ideas rather than individuals;

  • refrain from demeaning, discriminatory or harassing behaviour and speech directed toward other participants;

  • be an active bystander, be mindful of your fellow participants and surroundings and, alerting staff if you notice a dangerous situation, unacceptable behaviour or someone in distress;

  • respect the rules and policies of meeting and event venues, accommodation, or any other venue associated with Drought Resilience 2025, including public spaces visited with fellow participants.

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Unacceptable Behaviour

Harassment includes speech or behaviour that is not welcome by others or is personally offensive. Behaviour that is acceptable to one person may not be acceptable to another – harassment intended in a joking manner can still constitute unacceptable behaviour.

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In communications and/or performing activities associated with Drought Resilience 2025, we will not tolerate harassment, bullying, intimidation, discrimination or any other form of unacceptable behaviour. Examples of unacceptable behaviour include, but are not limited to:

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  • physical or verbal abuse of any participant;

  • exclusionary behaviour or unwelcome, discriminatory or offensive comments. This includes but is not limited to comments related to age, appearance or body size, employment status, ethnicity, gender identity and expression, individual lifestyle, marital status, national origin, physical or cognitive ability, political affiliation, pregnancy or potential pregnancy, sexual orientation, race or religion;

  • inappropriate or unwanted physical contact;

  • unwanted sexual attention;

  • use of sexual or discriminatory images in public spaces, social media or in presentations;

  • deliberate intimidation or stalking, or harassment;

  • harassing photography or recording, including taking photographs or recording of another individual’s oral presentation or poster where the presenter has withdrawn permission;

  • sustained disruption of talks or other events;

  • bullying behaviour, including using perceived superior status or rank to embarrass, belittle or humiliate;

  • retaliation for reporting unacceptable behaviour.

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Immediate Serious Threat to Public Safety

Anyone experiencing or witnessing behaviour that constitutes an immediate or serious threat to public safety at any time should contact local law enforcement (by calling 000) and immediately notifying facility security.

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Reporting Unacceptable Behaviour

If you are not in immediate danger but feel that you are the subject of unacceptable behaviour, have witnessed any such behaviour, or have other concerns, please notify staff member or representative as soon as possible. All reports will be treated seriously and responded to promptly and treated confidentially. This does not preclude seeking third party support with the reporter's permission, if deemed necessary.

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Consequences

Drought Resilience participants are accountable for ensuring that their actions and behaviour align with the Code of Conduct. Anyone requested to stop unacceptable behaviour is expected to comply immediately. If the behaviour continues:

  • Drought Hub staff or venue security may take any immediate action deemed necessary and appropriate, including removal from the conference or related events without warning or refund.

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Dispute Resolution Process – Reporting

A breach of the Code of Conduct can be reported by emailing or by verbal reporting to a staff member

 

Dispute Resolution at Drought Resilience 2025

When a complaint is received:

  • Immediate action will be taken to investigate the reported behaviour, including contact with both the complainant and nominated perpetrator and witnesses. Investigations will be undertaken within a fair and unbiased perspective.

  • Privacy of all parties will be protected where possible and as appropriate at all times, with consideration given to consent being given by the complainant.

  • Where necessary, immediate action will be taken to ensure the unsatisfactory behaviour ceases and ensure the safety and wellbeing of the complainant and other participants.

  • Recommended actions may include mediation, behaviour education, withdrawal of conference registration or other actions as deemed suitable to the individual case.

  • A de-identified report of all Code of Conduct breaches will be provided to the Drought Resilience 2025 organising committee.

Vic Hub

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of all the unceded lands, skies and waterways of Australia. We pay our deep respect to the Ancestors and Elders of Wadawurrung Country, on whose land we meet, as well as the Traditional Custodians of all the lands on which our delegates live and work.

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This event is supported by The Victoria Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub, through funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund.

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