u/DangerNoodle000

I'm Based in Victoria.

I've been working as a sole trader contractor at a small company since June 2025. No written contractor agreement - verbal only. I signed an NDA 6 months in but nothing that defines my role, duties, notice period or contractor terms. I work set hours, use their equipment, have a company email address, and cannot subcontract the work.

Over the past 4 weeks the following has happened:

* A new employee hired for one role has been given my technical responsibilities - developer management, onboarding, platform builds - all within his first 4 weeks
* I found out about my own project's go-live deadline secondhand
* Apparently a company-wide HR meeting was organised and communicated some staff including the brand new employee - I was never told
* Work has been deliberately conducted around me without my knowledge or involvement
* I have been systematically excluded from meetings, decisions and communications relevant to my role

This has caused me anxiety, anger, sleep issues, stress affecting daily functioning.

My questions:

1. Based on the WorkSafe contractor flowchart I likely qualify as a deemed worker - does that mean I can lodge a WorkCover psychological injury claim?
2. Does this pattern of behaviour meet the threshold for workplace bullying under Victorian law?
3. If I'm a deemed worker, am I owed superannuation backdated for the full period?
4. What should I do first - GP, WorkSafe, Fair Work, or employment lawyer?

I have documentation including emails, messages, and a detailed written timeline.

I'm Based in Victoria.

I've been working as a sole trader contractor at a small company since June 2025. No written contractor agreement - verbal only. I signed an NDA but nothing that defines my role, duties, notice period or contractor terms. I work set hours, use their equipment, have a company email address, and cannot subcontract the work.

Over the past 4 weeks the following has happened:

• A new employee hired for one role has been given my technical responsibilities - developer management, onboarding, platform builds - all within his first 4 weeks
• I found out about my own project's go-live deadline secondhand
• Apparently a company-wide HR meeting was organised and communicated some staff including the brand new employee - I was never told
• Work has been deliberately conducted around me without my knowledge or involvement
• I have been systematically excluded from meetings, decisions and communications relevant to my role

This has caused me anxiety, anger, sleep issues, stress affecting daily functioning.

My questions:

1. Based on the WorkSafe contractor flowchart I likely qualify as a deemed worker - does that mean I can lodge a WorkCover psychological injury claim?
2. Does this pattern of behaviour meet the threshold for workplace bullying under Victorian law?
3. If I'm a deemed worker, am I owed superannuation backdated for the full period?
4. What should I do first - GP, WorkSafe, Fair Work, or employment lawyer?

I have documentation including emails, messages, and a detailed written timeline.