The parents of a teenager who killed herself after being bullied by workmates have backed plans for tough new anti-bullying laws, but say authorities still need to do more.
Damian and Rae Panlock's daughter Brodie was taunted incessantly by workmates while a waitress at a Melbourne cafe before she jumped to her death in 2006, aged 19.
Her death came after she was abused by colleagues who poured beer and oil on her, spat on her and offered her rat poison after an earlier failed suicide attempt.
Brodie's three tormentors, Nicholas Smallwood, Rhys MacAlpine and Gabriel Toomey, were convicted under Occupational Health and Safety laws and fined a total of $85,000, while the cafe owner Marc Luis Da Cruz and his company were ordered to pay $250,000.
But, in accordance with the law at the time, none were jailed.
On the day they were fined last year, Mr Panlock said the law should be changed to allow a custodial sentence.
On Tuesday, he and his wife welcomed changes to stalking laws to be introduced into Victorian parliament this week under which bullies will face up to 10 years' jail.
Under the new laws, dubbed "Brodie's Law", people who engage in cyber bullying could also face criminal charges.
Mr Panlock said he looked forward to the amendments becoming law but unions and WorkSafe needed to do more.
"Just get the unions into it, with WorkSafe, and find out what they are doing, face to face, not an ad in the paper," Mr Panlock said.
"It is the only thing I can think of as a solution."
Rae Panlock said she hoped the new laws meant workplace bullying would be taken more seriously.
"If you think someone is a little bit down, maybe they just need someone to talk to, and that goes for all the corporate bosses out there listening," she told reporters.
Victorian Attorney-General Robert Clark said the new laws would help protect workers from actions that would cause physical or mental harm.
"The crucial thing about this legislation is that it sends a very clear message: that serious bullying is a serious crime, and carries a serious jail term," Mr Clark said.
The ACTU also supported the proposed laws but said employers must not hide behind them to shirk their responsibilities to provide a workplace free of harassment.
Brodie's older brother Cameron said he hoped the new laws would help his family cope with the death of his sister.
* Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467.
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