Earlier this week, the NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet underwent a series of 'diversity and inclusion' consultations called Respect at Work training, which aims to improve workplace relations.

As part of the changes that will be happening in their workplace, government ministers were reportedly advised to give up drinking alcohol in the office, yelling at colleagues, and gossiping about staff.

But the rule that caused the most outrage amongst the members was the ban on using the word "mate" when referring to each other in the office.

Perrottet government ministers have been told to avoid using the word "mate" in conversation. Credit: Australian Workplace Training.​

Speaking to The Daily Telegraph, one minister said: "I use 'mate' all the time – it's as Australian as you can get. How can it be offensive?"

"We're not allowed to have individual opinions. We have to engage in group thought… This is straight out of 1984," added a second minister.

Meanwhile, Veterans Minister David Elliott took issue with the alcohol ban, saying he keeps a bottle of whiskey in his office to "placate (his) parliamentary colleagues".

Other rules indicate that all staff must be invited out to after-work drinks to ensure 'inclusivity' while work tasks must be fairly divided between senior and junior colleagues.

Veterans Minister David Elliott took issue with the alcohol ban. Credit: NCA Newswire/ Gaye Gerard.​

The Respect at Work training sessions are estimated to have cost taxpayers $202,000 and are expected to be run regularly by an external 'diversity and inclusion' consultant.

The initiative for the Respect at Work training came after former sex discrimination commissioner Pru Goward was ordered by former premier Gladys Berejiklian to make a review regarding the NSW government's bullying and harassment policies.

Some recommendations included proper investigative and reporting procedures to address bullying, harassment and sexual misconduct in the workplace.

What are your thoughts, folks? Is calling a colleague “mate” in the workplace offensive? What did you call your colleagues?

And are these rules progressive and effective, or do you think this whole "woke" movement is getting out of hand?

 

[Craftingnonna]

What a lot of BS, it won’t be long before we are all forced to stop using the word “mate” we the people need to stop this madness.
So put that in your pipe and smoke it mate.

 

[Daboss]

No problem with the word mate but sometimes used when you forget someone's name. I agree with the No alcohol in office, but we paid that much money for this session and it's an ongoing expense?...

 

[Janmf]

I always say mate to boys and girls men and women

 

[terri]

I would much rather be called mate than 'love', 'darl' or 'madam'.

 

[Senor]

Unless it is a formal setting, I would not have classified 'mate' as offensive.

 

[Ronloby]

It is better to use "Mate" than "Hay You". "Mate" is Australian Slang and used during WW1 and WW2 to talk to other "Mates" so GET OVER IT, you government mates.

 

[Samik]

NSW government ministers advised not to use THIS word in workplace: "How can it be offensive?"​

Earlier this week, the NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet underwent a series of 'diversity and inclusion' consultations called Respect at Work training, which aims to improve workplace relations.

​

As part of the changes that will be happening in their workplace, government ministers were reportedly advised to give up drinking alcohol in the office, yelling at colleagues, and gossiping about staff.

But the rule that caused the most outrage amongst the members was the ban on using the word "mate" when referring to each other in the office.

Perrottet government ministers have been told to avoid using the word "mate" in conversation. Credit: Australian Workplace Training.​

Speaking to The Daily Telegraph, one minister said: "I use 'mate' all the time – it's as Australian as you can get. How can it be offensive?"

"We're not allowed to have individual opinions. We have to engage in group thought… This is straight out of 1984," added a second minister.

​

Meanwhile, Veterans Minister David Elliott took issue with the alcohol ban, saying he keeps a bottle of whiskey in his office to "placate (his) parliamentary colleagues".

Other rules indicate that all staff must be invited out to after-work drinks to ensure 'inclusivity' while work tasks must be fairly divided between senior and junior colleagues.

Veterans Minister David Elliott took issue with the alcohol ban. Credit: NCA Newswire/ Gaye Gerard.​

The Respect at Work training sessions are estimated to have cost taxpayers $202,000 and are expected to be run regularly by an external 'diversity and inclusion' consultant.

The initiative for the Respect at Work training came after former sex discrimination commissioner Pru Goward was ordered by former premier Gladys Berejiklian to make a review regarding the NSW government's bullying and harassment policies.

Some recommendations included proper investigative and reporting procedures to address bullying, harassment and sexual misconduct in the workplace.

​

What are your thoughts, folks? Is calling a colleague “mate” in the workplace offensive? What did you call your colleagues?

And are these rules progressive and effective, or do you think this whole "woke" movement is getting out of hand?

I think it depends on the context. Mate is sometimes used because the name of the person has been forgotten. This is not appropriate. Mate is an Australian term and used as friendly banter in social settings is Australian. In a business setting it is not professional. This is my view. Also the use of sugar, Sheila, babe, dear, and darling to name but a few should be brought into question.

 

[Hieme]

How are you NOT being inclusive if you use the word 'Mate'? Or for that matter the regular usage of any word for people of all the work rankings and genders, is inclusive. Some people might take offence as there will always be the ODD ones, but you are being inclusive and if inclusivity is offensive to someone then they need training.

 

[Ricci]

How can using the word "mate" be so wrong? I can't think of one single time where I might have used the term in a derogatory manner, nor when the term has been used to me and I've been offended.

 

[Chris Lincoln]

NSW government ministers advised not to use THIS word in workplace: "How can it be offensive?"​

Earlier this week, the NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet underwent a series of 'diversity and inclusion' consultations called Respect at Work training, which aims to improve workplace relations.

​

As part of the changes that will be happening in their workplace, government ministers were reportedly advised to give up drinking alcohol in the office, yelling at colleagues, and gossiping about staff.

But the rule that caused the most outrage amongst the members was the ban on using the word "mate" when referring to each other in the office.

Perrottet government ministers have been told to avoid using the word "mate" in conversation. Credit: Australian Workplace Training.​

Speaking to The Daily Telegraph, one minister said: "I use 'mate' all the time – it's as Australian as you can get. How can it be offensive?"

"We're not allowed to have individual opinions. We have to engage in group thought… This is straight out of 1984," added a second minister.

​

Meanwhile, Veterans Minister David Elliott took issue with the alcohol ban, saying he keeps a bottle of whiskey in his office to "placate (his) parliamentary colleagues".

Other rules indicate that all staff must be invited out to after-work drinks to ensure 'inclusivity' while work tasks must be fairly divided between senior and junior colleagues.

Veterans Minister David Elliott took issue with the alcohol ban. Credit: NCA Newswire/ Gaye Gerard.​

The Respect at Work training sessions are estimated to have cost taxpayers $202,000 and are expected to be run regularly by an external 'diversity and inclusion' consultant.

The initiative for the Respect at Work training came after former sex discrimination commissioner Pru Goward was ordered by former premier Gladys Berejiklian to make a review regarding the NSW government's bullying and harassment policies.

Some recommendations included proper investigative and reporting procedures to address bullying, harassment and sexual misconduct in the workplace.

​

What are your thoughts, folks? Is calling a colleague “mate” in the workplace offensive? What did you call your colleagues?

And are these rules progressive and effective, or do you think this whole "woke" movement is getting out of hand?

No it’s not , this is UnAustralian, I prefer MATE than someone calling me buddy that really gets my back up

 

[Vinylted]

As far as I'm concerned the worst word currently in use is "Woke" !

 

[Go Cats]

NSW government ministers advised not to use THIS word in workplace: "How can it be offensive?"​

Earlier this week, the NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet underwent a series of 'diversity and inclusion' consultations called Respect at Work training, which aims to improve workplace relations.

​

As part of the changes that will be happening in their workplace, government ministers were reportedly advised to give up drinking alcohol in the office, yelling at colleagues, and gossiping about staff.

But the rule that caused the most outrage amongst the members was the ban on using the word "mate" when referring to each other in the office.

Perrottet government ministers have been told to avoid using the word "mate" in conversation. Credit: Australian Workplace Training.​

Speaking to The Daily Telegraph, one minister said: "I use 'mate' all the time – it's as Australian as you can get. How can it be offensive?"

"We're not allowed to have individual opinions. We have to engage in group thought… This is straight out of 1984," added a second minister.

​

Meanwhile, Veterans Minister David Elliott took issue with the alcohol ban, saying he keeps a bottle of whiskey in his office to "placate (his) parliamentary colleagues".

Other rules indicate that all staff must be invited out to after-work drinks to ensure 'inclusivity' while work tasks must be fairly divided between senior and junior colleagues.

Veterans Minister David Elliott took issue with the alcohol ban. Credit: NCA Newswire/ Gaye Gerard.​

The Respect at Work training sessions are estimated to have cost taxpayers $202,000 and are expected to be run regularly by an external 'diversity and inclusion' consultant.

The initiative for the Respect at Work training came after former sex discrimination commissioner Pru Goward was ordered by former premier Gladys Berejiklian to make a review regarding the NSW government's bullying and harassment policies.

Some recommendations included proper investigative and reporting procedures to address bullying, harassment and sexual misconduct in the workplace.

​

What are your thoughts, folks? Is calling a colleague “mate” in the workplace offensive? What did you call your colleagues?

And are these rules progressive and effective, or do you think this whole "woke" movement is getting out of hand?

 

[Lizzy]

NSW government ministers advised not to use THIS word in workplace: "How can it be offensive?"​

Earlier this week, the NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet underwent a series of 'diversity and inclusion' consultations called Respect at Work training, which aims to improve workplace relations.

​

As part of the changes that will be happening in their workplace, government ministers were reportedly advised to give up drinking alcohol in the office, yelling at colleagues, and gossiping about staff.

But the rule that caused the most outrage amongst the members was the ban on using the word "mate" when referring to each other in the office.

Perrottet government ministers have been told to avoid using the word "mate" in conversation. Credit: Australian Workplace Training.​

Speaking to The Daily Telegraph, one minister said: "I use 'mate' all the time – it's as Australian as you can get. How can it be offensive?"

"We're not allowed to have individual opinions. We have to engage in group thought… This is straight out of 1984," added a second minister.

​

Meanwhile, Veterans Minister David Elliott took issue with the alcohol ban, saying he keeps a bottle of whiskey in his office to "placate (his) parliamentary colleagues".

Other rules indicate that all staff must be invited out to after-work drinks to ensure 'inclusivity' while work tasks must be fairly divided between senior and junior colleagues.

Veterans Minister David Elliott took issue with the alcohol ban. Credit: NCA Newswire/ Gaye Gerard.​

The Respect at Work training sessions are estimated to have cost taxpayers $202,000 and are expected to be run regularly by an external 'diversity and inclusion' consultant.

The initiative for the Respect at Work training came after former sex discrimination commissioner Pru Goward was ordered by former premier Gladys Berejiklian to make a review regarding the NSW government's bullying and harassment policies.

Some recommendations included proper investigative and reporting procedures to address bullying, harassment and sexual misconduct in the workplace.

​

What are your thoughts, folks? Is calling a colleague “mate” in the workplace offensive? What did you call your colleagues?

And are these rules progressive and effective, or do you think this whole "woke" movement is getting out of hand?

Biggest load of BS. It has been a long standing way of addressing people, both friends and unknowns, what do you say when trying to attract an unknown named person. I suppose in that case USA should ban buddy or pal. Where will it end. A halt to madness has to start sometime. Couldn't be more Aussie leave it alone. We will end up just a generic nothing.

 

[ipswich]

NSW government ministers advised not to use THIS word in workplace: "How can it be offensive?"​

Earlier this week, the NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet underwent a series of 'diversity and inclusion' consultations called Respect at Work training, which aims to improve workplace relations.

​

As part of the changes that will be happening in their workplace, government ministers were reportedly advised to give up drinking alcohol in the office, yelling at colleagues, and gossiping about staff.

But the rule that caused the most outrage amongst the members was the ban on using the word "mate" when referring to each other in the office.

Perrottet government ministers have been told to avoid using the word "mate" in conversation. Credit: Australian Workplace Training.​

Speaking to The Daily Telegraph, one minister said: "I use 'mate' all the time – it's as Australian as you can get. How can it be offensive?"

"We're not allowed to have individual opinions. We have to engage in group thought… This is straight out of 1984," added a second minister.

​

Meanwhile, Veterans Minister David Elliott took issue with the alcohol ban, saying he keeps a bottle of whiskey in his office to "placate (his) parliamentary colleagues".

Other rules indicate that all staff must be invited out to after-work drinks to ensure 'inclusivity' while work tasks must be fairly divided between senior and junior colleagues.

Veterans Minister David Elliott took issue with the alcohol ban. Credit: NCA Newswire/ Gaye Gerard.​

The Respect at Work training sessions are estimated to have cost taxpayers $202,000 and are expected to be run regularly by an external 'diversity and inclusion' consultant.

The initiative for the Respect at Work training came after former sex discrimination commissioner Pru Goward was ordered by former premier Gladys Berejiklian to make a review regarding the NSW government's bullying and harassment policies.

Some recommendations included proper investigative and reporting procedures to address bullying, harassment and sexual misconduct in the workplace.

​

What are your thoughts, folks? Is calling a colleague “mate” in the workplace offensive? What did you call your colleagues?

And are these rules progressive and effective, or do you think this whole "woke" movement is getting out of hand?

bloody un Australian They ought to be ashamed of themselves
just little boys trying to fit into men's shoes
get on with your job and stop *arting around ""MATE""""

 

[Gil]

NSW government ministers advised not to use THIS word in workplace: "How can it be offensive?"​

Earlier this week, the NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet underwent a series of 'diversity and inclusion' consultations called Respect at Work training, which aims to improve workplace relations.

​

As part of the changes that will be happening in their workplace, government ministers were reportedly advised to give up drinking alcohol in the office, yelling at colleagues, and gossiping about staff.

But the rule that caused the most outrage amongst the members was the ban on using the word "mate" when referring to each other in the office.

Perrottet government ministers have been told to avoid using the word "mate" in conversation. Credit: Australian Workplace Training.​

Speaking to The Daily Telegraph, one minister said: "I use 'mate' all the time – it's as Australian as you can get. How can it be offensive?"

"We're not allowed to have individual opinions. We have to engage in group thought… This is straight out of 1984," added a second minister.

​

Meanwhile, Veterans Minister David Elliott took issue with the alcohol ban, saying he keeps a bottle of whiskey in his office to "placate (his) parliamentary colleagues".

Other rules indicate that all staff must be invited out to after-work drinks to ensure 'inclusivity' while work tasks must be fairly divided between senior and junior colleagues.

Veterans Minister David Elliott took issue with the alcohol ban. Credit: NCA Newswire/ Gaye Gerard.​

The Respect at Work training sessions are estimated to have cost taxpayers $202,000 and are expected to be run regularly by an external 'diversity and inclusion' consultant.

The initiative for the Respect at Work training came after former sex discrimination commissioner Pru Goward was ordered by former premier Gladys Berejiklian to make a review regarding the NSW government's bullying and harassment policies.

Some recommendations included proper investigative and reporting procedures to address bullying, harassment and sexual misconduct in the workplace.

​

What are your thoughts, folks? Is calling a colleague “mate” in the workplace offensive? What did you call your colleagues?

And are these rules progressive and effective, or do you think this whole "woke" movement is getting out of hand?

Fair dinkum MATE, this crap has to stop. The fish rots from the head first. These w...kers are rotting our society from the head. What else can we, the down trodden, usurped Australian individual citizens do? How could Pru and Gladys have started this without some sort of community approval. After all, both of them are public servants, paid by us, and their positions give them no more rights than you and I to instigate stupid mandates like this. It just goes to prove how stupid people in power can be.

 

[Dee Sharee]

All this is starting to do my head in. Should we be able to call someone mate in the workplace in the right context, as long as they are not offended? So we then have to ask all our work colleagues whether they are offended by being called mate? As long as the person is not offended by the term that they are being called I think it shouldn't matter what they are being called. Are the Americans removing buddy from their workplaces? What about other countries are they removing slang friend terms from their workplaces? Now I am really done in. I think I need a nap and it is only 11 am!

 

[Evol P]

Oh pulleease! Mate is the word you use in all situations and it depends on the tone whether it is offensive or not.
Years ago we had a sexual harassments seminar and my beautiful boss had to stop calling us "darl". It was always in the kindest way Like "how you going, darl? have you finished that yet?" He had to switch to "mate" for all of us m or f. I was so disappointed it removed something from our day.
OK so now should we go back to the days when I first started work and My boss was Mr Black and I was Miss White?
Oh NO! Wait a minute! Mr Black might be a Ms - Miss White might be a Mr ??? How can we get it right???

 

[EllenS]

Oh pulleease! Mate is the word you use in all situations and it depends on the tone whether it is offensive or not.
Years ago we had a sexual harassments seminar and my beautiful boss had to stop calling us "darl". It was always in the kindest way Like "how you going, darl? have you finished that yet?" He had to switch to "mate" for all of us m or f. I was so disappointed it removed something from our day.
OK so now should we go back to the days when I first started work and My boss was Mr Black and I was Miss White?
Oh NO! Wait a minute! Mr Black might be a Ms - Miss White might be a Mr ??? How can we get it right???

I would have objected to the "darl" - no matter how well meant. I have one person who continually called me curly and had to be told very explicitly that if he couldn't remember my name I would not respond to him.

 

[Evol P]

I would have objected to the "darl" - no matter how well meant. I have one person who continually called me curly and had to be told very explicitly that if he couldn't remember my name I would not respond to him.

I don't know if you would, he was so lovely and it really was a lovely way to address us. I (having very straight hair) wouldn't have minded being curly