New laws for cyberbullying

A recent article in the SMH claims that new laws under which workplace bullies will be imprisoned for up to 10 years have been welcomed by the family of a 19-year-old woman who committed suicide after being tormented by workmates.

Damien Panlock, father of Brodie, who jumped to her death in 2006 after being victimised by colleagues at Cafe Vamp in Hawthorn, said the laws won’t bring Brodie back but legislation that protects young workers is "never too late".

Attorney-General Robert Clark is expected to table the Crimes Amendment (Bullying) Bill, 2011, in Parliament on Thursday. A government spokesperson said the Baillieu Government would amend stalking legislation to include workplace and cyber bullying.

Mr Panlock has worked closely with the Brumby and Baillieu governments on framing the laws, but said he would reserve his final judgment until he saw the legislation.

He said he would get advice on whether the laws cover the "grey areas . . . which are part and parcel of why these people haven’t been charged over Brodie".

 

Victoria Police have not charged the men responsible for bullying Brodie.

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