Answer by Neha Sharma, Hillsdale 2036 NSW

• Being called to a disciplinary meeting can be quite distressing. It is important to stay calm.
• As you are under 18 you have the right to bring a parent, guardian or other adult along to be your support person.
• Ensure that a third person who has no participatory role in the meeting has been appointed to take minutes. The minutes should record:
  • the time, date and place of the meeting;
  • the participants in the meeting; and
  • an accurate translation of what was said and by whom.
• A meeting can only be recorded with your permission.
• Answer any questions put to you in a careful manner. Remember that you may have done nothing wrong and this is your chance to tell that to your employer.
• Do not make any admissions or offer any additional information that may prompt further questions.
• Do not answer any questions that suggest or hold allegations of a criminal nature. You must seek legal advice as soon as practicable if you have been accused of anything criminal in nature such as stealing or assault.
• If you feel intimated, harassed, bullied or afraid at any time during the meeting you may:
  • ask for an adjournment:
    • to a later date; or
    • until you can organise a support person;
  • halt the meeting and walk out:
    • you must as soon as possible write to the chairman of the meeting outlining your reasons for walking out especially detailing your treatment at the meeting; and
    • ask the chairperson to provide you with a written notice outlining the outcome of the meeting.
• You should always seek legal advice from an expert employment lawyer before going to a disciplinary meeting or if not practicable as soon as possible after the conclusion of the meeting.