Code of Conduct
An overview of the Code of Practice, discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment and bullying policies that apply to funding applicants and screen industry practitioners.
Australian Screen Industry Code of Practice
Discrimination, Harassment, Sexual Harassment and Bullying
Screenwest (Australia) Ltd adopts the Australian Screen Industry Code of Practice – Discrimination, Harassment, Sexual Harassment and Bullying Policy.
This Code of Practice is a best practice guide for anyone working in the Australian screen industry. It was developed as a joint initiative between Screen Producers Australia (SPA), the body representing employers in the screen industry, and Media Entertainment & Arts Alliance (MEAA), as the body representing employees.
It was prepared to support the prevention of workplace discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment and bullying in the screen industry. It affirms the industry’s commitment to providing safe, respectful, inclusive, and flexible workplaces.
Although described as a voluntary industry code of practice, Screenwest encourages all screen industry practitioners to adopt and follow it.
The Screen Industry Code of Practice is publicly available on the SPA and MEAA websites for all screen professionals to use. You do not need to be a member of either organisation to access the Code.
For more information, to view the Code of Practice, template Policy Document and guidelines go to screensafety.com.au
Who does the Code apply to?
All industry practitioners have the legal right not to be discriminated against, harassed, sexually harassed or bullied in the workplace. Workplaces should be non-threatening, respectful, safe and free from all forms of harassment.
Screenwest expects all funding applicants (including their employers, employees and contractors, if applicable) to comply with all state and federal safe workplace legislations and use reasonable efforts to follow the recommendations of the Australian Screen Industry Code of Practice. This is referenced in the Business Terms section of the Screenwest Terms of Trade.
It is also mandatory for recipients of Screen Australia production funding to implement the Code as far as reasonably practical on the relevant project. All Screen Australia production investment or grant agreements for projects approved after 1 July 2019 include contractual obligations in relation to the Screen Industry Code of Practice.
Contact Information
SPA or MEAA, as a co-authors of the Screen Industry Code of Practice, are the relevant contacts for general queries about the Code and its pro forma policies.
At first instance, queries from employers should be directed to SPA and queries from employees to MEAA.
Additional Resources
If you are after advice in relation to a specific incident you should consider obtaining independent legal advice.