Protecting Victorian Workers From Sexual Harassment
Victorians will be better protected from sexual harassment in the workplace under leading reforms which will change the way employers must deal with this disgraceful behaviour.
Minister for Workplace Safety Ingrid Stitt today released the recommendations from the Ministerial Taskforce on Workplace Sexual Harassment, along with the Government’s response.
According to the Australian Human Rights Commission, one in three people have been sexually harassed at work in the past five years – highlighting the urgent need to stamp out this pervasive workplace health and safety risk.
In an Australian-first, the Andrews Labor Government will begin work to restrict the use of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) for workplace sexual harassment cases in Victoria, which are often misused to silence victim-survivors, protect employer reputations, avoid full liability and hide serial offending.
This will require close consultation with victim-survivors, unions, business and the legal profession to develop the appropriate model and scope of the restriction before introducing legislation – as this complex reform has never before been attempted we need to ensure we get it right.
The Government also accepts the recommendation to treat sexual harassment as an occupational health and safety issue and will help WorkSafe build its capacity to tackle sexual harassment with almost $7 million over three years in the Victorian Budget 2022/23.
This will allow WorkSafe to expand its WorkWell program and dedicate part of it to preventing workplace sexual harassment. The WorkWell program provides employers with access to resources and funding opportunities to prevent mental injury and promote safe and mentally healthy workplaces.
The Government’s plan to tackle sexual harassment in Victorian workplaces includes introducing de-identified employer reporting to WorkSafe on workplace sexual harassment, as part of proposed new psychological health regulations.
The Taskforce was co-chaired by Parliamentary Secretary for Workplace Safety Bronwyn Halfpenny and experienced workplace injury lawyer Liberty Sanger. It included representatives from unions, employer groups, legal professionals, and vulnerable workers.