No mates allowed in the office

NSW government ministers have been told to avoid using the word “mate” as part of new workplace behaviour advice.

Ministers undertook the Respect at Work training sessions last week, which included the advice not to say “mate” or yell at staff, and to ban drinking alcohol in the office.

A critical part of the training was ensuring allegations of sexual assault were reported appropriately.

The two-and-a-half-hour modules were run by an external “diversity and inclusion” consultant and followed a review into bullying and harassment by former sex discrimination commissioner Pru Goward.

Banter and gossip were deemed no-no’s, while ministers were told to invite everyone in the office if heading out for lunch or after-work drinks.

The training sessions are expected to be run regularly.

Earlier this year, a US university language guide described everyday words used by Americans as “problematic”. The University of Washington list of words that are “racist,” “sexist,” “ageist,” or “homophobic” include “grandfather,” “housekeeping” and “ninja”.