Australian teacher wins more than $60,000 in compensation after bullying by coworker and recruiter

A Sydney primary school teacher has won more than $60,000 in compensation after sustaining a psychological injury linked to ongoing bullying by a coworker at Abbotsford Public School and later by a recruiter. The ruling came from the New South Wales Personal Injury Commission in September, against the NSW Department of Education and the recruitment firm Chandler Macleod.

Ashley Brassington, who worked at Abbotsford Public School in Sydney's inner west until December 2023, said his psychological injury was aggravated by a manager at the recruitment firm. He began working at Chandler Macleod on August 4, 2024. He alleged that a male colleague at Chandler Macleod subjected him to a pattern of bullying, including messages that required verbal confirmation of receipt, invasions of personal space, and the sharing of sensitive information. He reported being called an alcoholic, being told he was overweight, and being jabbed in the arm by the colleague. He lodged an official complaint on October 5, with evidence indicating the HR department did not begin investigating for about a week and did not provide an explanation for the delay.

The commission found the injury was aggravated by actions or inaction at the recruitment firm, and that there was no evidence contradicting Brassington's claims. A police report about the jabbing incident showed the colleague denying the incident, but the commission accepted Brassington's evidence. The decision ordered the education department to pay Brassington more than $1,100 per week backdated to January 6, bringing the total to about $41,800 to date. Chandler Macleod was ordered to pay just over $640 per week, bringing its total to about $24,320 and lifting Brassington's overall compensation to roughly $63,200.

A department spokesperson did not immediately respond to requests for comment, and a Chandler Macleod representative reiterated the firm's commitment to a safe, respectful and inclusive workplace for all employees and said it takes concerns about behaviour seriously.

The case comes as New South Wales seeks changes to workers compensation legislation. In May, the government published a draft amendment bill that would raise the impairment threshold for long-term psychological injuries, a move criticised by unions including the NSW branches of the Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union and the Rail, Tram and Bus Union.

The commission's ruling underscores the role of workplace culture in mental health outcomes and the potential for financial remedies when injuries are exacerbated by ongoing harassment and management failures. Brassington's case also illustrates the legal path available when workers feel their concerns are not promptly addressed.