New South Wales government ministers are frustrated they've been told to stop using the word 'mate' in the workplace.
The Daily Telegraph reported on Sunday that the ministers had undertaken 'Respect at Work' training sessions during the week.
These two-and-a-half hours long training modules were run by an external diversity and inclusion consultant, and targeted at 'unconscious bias and mindful inclusion', 'gender equity and 'cultural inclusion'.
The ministers were advised not to use the word mate, not drink in the office and not yell at staff.
One minister told the Daily Telegraph: "I use mate all the time, it's as Australian as you can get. How can it be offensive?"
Gossip and banter have also been banned in the workplace and ministers have been told to invite everyone in the office for after-work drinks or group lunches to make sure everyone is included.
However, some people have described the training as "PC insanity".
News.com.au reported Veterans Minister David Elliott took issue with the alcohol ban, saying he keeps a bottle of whiskey in his office to "placate (his) parliamentary colleagues".
The training came after a review into bullying and harassment by former sex discrimination commissioner Pru Goward, News.com.au reported.
One of the critical parts of the training was to make sure sexual assault allegations are taken seriously and reported properly.
The Respect at Work training sessions are expected to run regularly.
