Workplaces across the country are to be helped to prevent and respond to sexual harassment with the launch of an Australian-first website.
The Respect@Work website, launched by the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) and the Respect@Work Council aims to help workplaces create a culture that is safe, respectful and equal for everyone.
Chair of the Council, National Sex Discrimination Commissioner Kate Jenkins said the website was a one-stop-shop that brought together a comprehensive set of resources for employers and workers to address sexual harassment in the workplace.
The website was one of the key recommendations of the AHRC’s Respect@Work Report.
Commissioner Jenkins said it included good-practice guides, training materials, workplace-assessment tools, information, videos, and guidance.
She said all material on the website was free and easily accessible.
“The Respect@Work website will help employers meet their obligations to provide safe environments for workers, free from sexual harassment, with better access to protection and support,” Commissioner Jenkins said.
“Many employers already provide supportive responses when harassment occurs, but that is not enough – all employers also have a responsibility to actively prevent harassment happening in the first place, and this website will support those actions,” she said.
“The Anti-Discrimination and Human Rights Legislation Amendment (Respect at Work) Bill 2022, currently before federal Parliament, will create a positive duty on employers to prevent workplace sexual harassment.”
Commissioner Jenkins said the website would help workers understand their rights and responsibilities.
She said it included information for people who experienced or witnessed workplace sexual harassment, including suggestions for responding to situations.
“The website delivers a much-needed improvement in the resources and support provided to workers and employers across Australia,” the Commissioner said.
“It is a vital tool that will help workers and businesses of all sizes understand, identify, prevent and respond to sexual harassment.”
The Respect@Work website can be accessed at this PS News link.
