WorkSafe Victoria has confirmed it is investigating allegations of discrimination at Hawthorn Football Club.

A recent review alleged that senior figures at the club demanded the separation of young First Nations players from their partners, and pressured one couple to terminate a pregnancy.

WorkSafe Victoria - the state’s workplace safety watchdog - has confirmed it is investigating the allegations, including meeting with Hawthorn club figures this week. 

“Every Victorian worker, no matter their cultural background, has the right to a healthy and safe workplace,” WorkSafe’s executive director of health and safety, Dr Narelle Beer said in a statement. 

“WorkSafe takes allegations of workplace bullying and discrimination very seriously and can take enforcement action when employers fail to protect the mental health of those in their workplace.

“WorkSafe has commenced investigating the recent allegations relating to the Hawthorn Football Club.”

The regulator has the power to issue improvement and prohibition notices, as well as undertake comprehensive investigations and prosecute breaches of the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

Employers, including AFL clubs, have a duty to provide a physically and mentally safe workplace.

“WorkSafe is urging anyone who experienced or witnessed health and safety concerns at Hawthorn Football Club to contact WorkSafe to make a statement,” Dr Beer's statement said.

The AFL says an independent panel will conduct an investigation into the allegations, and it has been suggested that an outside body such as the Australian Human Rights Commission will take carriage of the inquiry. 

The Hawthorn club’s president, Jeff Kennett, says he does not consider the allegations a crisis and lamented the fact that the staff allegedly involved had been publicly named.