A proposition has been floated that would see a cooling-off period introduced for the reporting of workplace bullying.

Promises put forward in the lead-up to the election by Shadow minister for workplace relations, Senator Eric Abetz, would see a “filter” system between the incident and the undertaking of legal proceedings.

“The first the boss hears about it is when there are proceedings in the Fair Work Commission,” Abetz said at a human resources industry conference this week, “it seems to us, if you want to resolve these issues, engage in some discussion... it is a genuine practical suggestion.”

Fair Work officials have recently expressed concern that the Commission may not be properly equipped to deal with bullying claims, which often include relationship management and psychological issues. Chairman of the Australian Human Resources Institute, Peter Wilson, says the matters may be better dealt with under the Occupational Health and Safety system.

The Fair Work Amendment Bill will see changes take effect in January next year including giving the Commission powers to hear bullying complaints within 14 days.