Rules Mate

Free tool

Workplace investigation timer

Positive Duty (s 47C SDA), the Fair Work Act, WHS psychosocial duties and the Closing Loopholes wage-theft criminal regime each impose their own timelines. This tool maps the immediate and downstream actions for the complaint type.

Last verified: 28 May 2026
Complaint
Sexual harassment (SDA + Positive Duty)

Immediate actions

  1. Acknowledge receipt of complaint in writing within 24 hours.
  2. Confirm complainant safety + offer EAP/independent support.
  3. Preserve evidence (emails, Slack, CCTV, rosters) immediately.
  4. Separate parties pending investigation (consider WFH, redirect reporting line) where conduct is continuing.

Deadlines

  • Trauma-informed initial response

    2026-07-07

    2 business days

    • Trauma-informed meeting with complainant by trained investigator.
    • Confirm complaint scope + investigation pathway preference.
  • Interim risk assessment

    2026-07-10

    5 business days

    • Risk assessment under WHS psychosocial duty.
    • Decide interim measures (leave with pay, reporting line change).
  • Substantive investigation complete (target)

    2026-08-14

    30 business days · AHRC

    • Investigation report + findings + remediation recommendations.
    • Document Positive Duty assessment evidence (s 47C SDA).
  • AHRC complaint window opens

    2026-07-06

    1 business days · AHRC

    • Complainant has 24 months from event to lodge AHRC complaint.
    • AHRC may also act on its own motion under Positive Duty compliance.

Sources

Reference tool — not legal advice. Results are general information based on published Australian regulatory sources. Industry-specific or sector-licensed obligations may apply on top of what this tool returns. Always verify with the primary source linked in your result, or a qualified professional, before acting.

Related tools

Not sure which obligations apply to you?

Run the Compliance Fingerprint — a 2-minute structured assessment that maps your business to every obligation, deadline and regulator that triggers.

Build my Compliance Fingerprint →