Don't Cross The Line
Respect
Toolbox
A practical guide for everyone at the Markets — business owners, employees, drivers and buyers — to understand their rights and responsibilities.
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Don't Cross The Line
A practical guide for everyone at the Markets — business owners, employees, drivers and buyers — to understand their rights and responsibilities.
Read the ToolboxSydney Markets is dedicated to fostering a professional and respectful environment for everyone operating on site.
This guide serves as a practical roadmap to help business owners, employees, forklift drivers, truck drivers and buyers to navigate their rights and responsibilities.
Ensuring everyone returns home safely every single day.
Adhering to Australian workplace and safety regulations at all times.
Maintaining high-quality interactions across all business dealings.
Taking ownership of the health and safety of your team.
Everyone working in Australia has the right to be treated respectfully at work.
To "cross the line" is to breach the personal and professional boundaries that keep the Markets functioning as a high optimal trade environment.
No bullying or harassment — repeated, unreasonable behaviour that creates a risk to health and safety is strictly prohibited.
No discrimination — no person should be treated unfairly due to their background, identity, or characteristics.
No intimidation or threats — physical or verbal aggression is a breach of Australian law.
Physical space — in high-traffic areas, respect the space of forklift drivers, truck drivers, and pedestrians.
Verbal communication — use professional language. Shouting, derogatory remarks, or offensive nicknames crosses the line.
Emotional consideration — recognise the stress of a fast-paced environment. Patience contributes to a psychologically safe workplace.
If you employ staff at the Markets, you have significant legal and ethical obligations. You must take active ownership of your employees' conduct.
Under the Fair Work Act 2009, you must comply with national employment standards, modern awards, and lawful conduct requirements.
Under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (NSW), as a PCBU, you must ensure the health and safety of your workers — including psychological safety.
Provide the necessary oversight to ensure tasks are performed safely and respectfully.
Address inappropriate conduct and resolve disputes within your own team before escalating.
Sydney Markets is not the employer of tenant staff — that responsibility lies primarily with the business owner.
Sydney Markets acts as a conduit to SafeWork when issues arise between employees from different businesses. Sydney Markets reinforces all necessary policies, including the banning policy.
Whether you're a forklift driver, buyer, grower, or wholesaler — you have the right to a workplace that is fair and safe.
The Markets are a high-pressure environment. A respectful culture is the best defence against mental health struggles. Support is available 24/7.
Immediate support for anxiety, depression and wellbeing concerns.
Crisis support and suicide prevention — available around the clock.
Free, confidential counselling and advice for those struggling with addiction.
Your employer may provide EAP — a confidential, employer-funded service for short-term counselling on work-related or personal issues.
Small businesses have access to a variety of resources to help manage their teams and maintain a respectful workplace.
Workplace advice, tools for managing employees, and understanding awards.
WHS guidance on preventing workplace bullying and ensuring physical safety.
The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman and Service NSW provide tailored support for business owners.
Before escalating, take all necessary steps to raise concerns with your employer first. If prompt action is required, contact the right authority directly.
| Situation | Action / Contact | Number |
|---|---|---|
| Life-threatening or immediate danger | Emergency services | 000 |
| Feeling unsafe or threatened | Police / Emergency services | 000 |
| Suspicious activity on site | SML Security | 0409 325 232 |
| Suspicious activity — police | Auburn Police | 02 9646 8699 |
| First Aid (Mon–Sun) | Medical on site | 0409 325 293 |
| Workplace advice | Fair Work (rights/pay) | 13 13 94 |
| Market operations or rule enquiries | Market Operations | 0409 325 232 |
All Market participants must comply with the Sydney Market Rules.
These rules outline conditions of entry and site standards, as well as acceptable conduct and operational boundaries. It is best to be familiar with the full rules.