A review of Queensland’s industrial relations laws is to include an investigation into providing protections against sexual harassment.
Announcing the review, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the State’s industrial protections must keep pace with the changing shape of work to ensure everyone received a fair go.
“As recent events have shown, sexual harassment and gender inequity in the workplace is a pressing issue that needs addressing,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
“Our review of the Industrial Relations Act will investigate industrial protections for workers subjected to sexual harassment, including the independent Queensland Industrial Relations Commission having the power to make anti-sexual harassment orders.
She said the review would also investigate protections for workers in precarious and short-term employment arrangements in Queensland, such as independent courier drivers.
“The review will commence soon and will include extensive consultation with unions and other stakeholders,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
Minister for Industrial Relations, Grace Grace said the Government had a proud record of protecting workers’ rights.
“We were the first State in Australia to make industrial manslaughter an offence; we made wage theft a criminal offence and made it easier for workers to recover lost wages,” Ms Grace said.
“Our nation-leading labour hire licensing laws protect workers from exploitation at the hands of unscrupulous providers and we’ve delivered substantial reforms to mine safety and built fair wages into major infrastructure projects.”
