The Case for Legislative Reform

There is a compelling case for legislative reform to address the issue of workplace sexual harassment and protect people and organisations from its occurrence and its impacts. Specifically, sexual harassment:

  • is wide-spread and impacts a significant proportion of the population

  • has significant health and wellbeing impacts

  • leads to decreased productivity and negatively impacts the economy

  • leads to the loss of trust in private and public institutions, particularly when it is not adequately or fairly addressed

  • the Commonwealth and the Australian community have heavily invested in the development and delivery of the National Inquiry into Sexual Harassment and the resulting Respect@Work report.

Respect@Work recommended 11 legislative changes as a holistic package

Last year the Government actioned five of the recommendations, they are now exploring the remaining six. Please let them know that all recommendations should be implemented in full.

The six changes to legislation for part of a package to protect workers from sexual harassment while at work. By saying yes to all six you are letting the Government know we want the greatest impact available.

You don’t have to answer all the questions, if you are unsure you can skip, however please say YES to the six recommendations as a minimum.

 
 

Not in my Workplace

Last year we provided an argument for the implementation of all 11 legislative changes. The arguments are simple and clear. Most important is the introduction of a specific positive duty. With a positive duty, all staff will see hazards and take steps to prevent situations where sexual harassment occurs.

Respect@Work

The Respect@Work Report is the most comprehensive research into sexual harassment in the workplace and the extraordinary impact on people.

Following the launch in 2020, Kate Jenkins presented her report in a webinar. Her argument for large scale cultural and legislative reform is compelling.

Following the launch in 2020, Kate Jenkins presented her report in a webinar. Her argument for large scale cultural and legislative reform is compelling

Government Advice

As part of the consultation, the Government has provided a comprehensive briefing document.

Support

If you have experienced sexual assault or sexual harassment and feel you would like to speak to someone for support or information, 1800RESPECT (Phone: 1800 737 732) can provide counselling 24-hours a day, 7 days a week.

For more support services, including how to make a complaint about sexual harassment visit humanrights.gov.au/our-work/sex-discrimination/list-support-services