Purpose

The Australian Network Operators Group (AusNOG) is a community of individuals who work in ISPs, Content Providers, or other areas of the Internet Industry in Australia.

AusNOG is committed to providing forums (such as mailing lists) and events that are welcoming and safe for all participants, free from discrimination, bullying and harassment, and a venue where all participants are treated with dignity and respect.

Application

The Code outlines our expectations for participant behaviour as well as the consequences for unacceptable behaviour.

Adherence to this Code is a requirement for all event participants and sponsors, and covers all aspects of AusNOG events, including (but not limited to) event sessions and breaks, all AusNOG social events, and all AusNOG communication, including that via email, email lists, or AusNOG moderated social media platforms.

We invite all sponsors, volunteers, speakers, attendees, and other participants to help us realise a safe and positive experience for all.

Participants at AusNOG endorsed events should:

• Be considerate, respectful, and collaborative;
• Refrain from demeaning, discriminatory or harassing behaviour and speech;
• Participate in an event in an authentic and meaningful way;
• Be mindful of their surroundings and of their fellow participants;
• Alert event staff or the AusNOG board if they notice a dangerous situation, unacceptable behaviour or someone in need of assistance.

Relevant laws

Discrimination and sexual harassment is unlawful under both federal and all Australian state anti-discrimination laws. Workplace bullying is prohibited under federal workplace laws, and the federal and state work health and safety laws. People suspected of such misconduct may be reported to authorities.

Unacceptable Behaviour

Unacceptable behaviour will not be tolerated at AusNOG events or in AusNOG communication. Unacceptable behaviour includes, but is not limited to:

• Harassment, discrimination and sexual harassment, including verbal comments relating to gender, sexual orientation, disability, race, ethnicity, religion, age, national origin, gender identity or expression, body size, or physical appearance;
• Offensive verbal or written remarks;
• Inappropriate and/or unwanted physical contact;
• Displaying images that are discriminatory, or contain nudity or sexual images in public spaces (including presentation slides);
• Unwelcome sexual attention, which can include inappropriate questions of a sexual nature, asking for sexual favours or repeatedly asking for dates or contact information;
• Stalking or engaging in deliberate intimidation;
• Unwanted photography or recording (if you are asked to stop photographing or recording someone, please do so; if someone indicates that they do not want to be photographed or recorded, do not record or photograph them);
• Intoxication at an event venue that involves or results in disorderly behaviour;
• Unreasonable interruption or disruption of talks or events.

Compaints and reports

If you are subject to unacceptable behaviour, or witness someone else being subjected to unacceptable behaviour, or have any other concerns, you should report it.

Complaints and reports can be made to the AusNOG Board by contacting the registration desk in person or emailing report@ausnog.net which is delivered to all the members of the AusNOG Board. 

Event workers (including volunteers) will be wearing identification badges.  Any event worker will be able to connect you with an AusNOG board member.  

An event worker or AusNOG board member will be available to help a participant contact venue security to provide escorts or to contact the police, or to otherwise assist those experiencing unacceptable behaviour to feel safe for the duration of the event.

Consequences of unnacceptable behaviour

Unacceptable behaviour will not be tolerated whether by other participants, event workers, venue staff, suppliers, sponsors, or other stakeholders of AusNOG event venues.

Anyone asked to stop unacceptable behaviour will be expected to comply immediately.

Should the AusNOG Board consider it appropriate, measures they may take include: 

• the individual may be told to apologise;
• the individual may be told to stop/modify their behaviour appropriately;
• the individual may be warned that enforcement action could be taken if the behaviour continues;
• the individual may be asked to immediately leave the venue and/or will be prohibited from continuing to attend the event and/or will be removed from AusNOG mailing lists and forums;
• the incident may be reported to the appropriate authorities;
• the conduct may be reported to the individual’s employer;
• the person concerned may be barred from attending future events and all AusNOG mailing lists and forums. 

If an individual engages in unacceptable behaviour, the AusNOG Board may take lawful action that they deem appropriate, including asking the individual to stop or removing the individual from the event without refund of registration and/or other applicable fees.

A person who is removed from an AusNOG event will not be permitted to give any planned oral or electronic presentations, and their place may be allocated to another attendee. 

AusNOG members may have their AusNOG mailing list or forum membership cancelled.

Privacy

Persons reporting a breach of the Code may request that their report remain confidential and that no further action be taken.   However, if necessary for the safety of event attendees, action will be taken, including referral of the report to AusNOG Committee and/or government regulatory authorities.

All efforts will be made to protect the privacy of persons reporting a breach of this Code.  All complaints made to the AusNOG board will remain as confidential as the law permits and will be taken seriously.

This Code is designed to ensure that AusNOG events can be enjoyed by all participants. 

Contact Information

To contact the AusNOG Board about any problems outside of an event, please email report@ausnog.net.