This policy explains what ‘duty of care’ means, how teaching staff may discharge their duty of care to students, and circumstances in which non-teaching staff, external providers and volunteers may owe students a duty of care.

The policy outlines the responsibilities of all employees relating to alcohol and other drugs in Department schools and workplaces and is underpinned by the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984 and related staff and student duty of care obligations.

The policy provides an operational framework to raise employees’ and line managers’ knowledge and understanding of entitlements and responsibilities related to leave eligibility, application and approval processes. It ensures that employees and line managers are informed about, leave procedures and leave management strategies under relevant Awards and Agreements.