The NSW Respect at Work Advisory Group has been established, to ensure “coordinated and effective” action across government and non-government leaders to address workplace sexual harassment.
The advisory group will be led by SafeWork NSW and will be supported by Minister Sophie Cotsis and Minister Jodie Harrison.
It will inform the government’s approach to regulating workplace sexual harassment and ensure efforts are coordinated with key NSW and Commonwealth government agencies working to address sexual harassment.
“The prevalence of sexual harassment in Australian workplaces is incredibly concerning and we believe the collaboration that the NSW Respect at Work programs will help reduce this,” says Ms Cotsis.
“My expectation is that we listen to the feedback from the experts.”
The NSW Respect at Work Advisory Group advisory group is comprised of:
- SafeWork NSW
- Anti-Discrimination Board of NSW
- Australian Human Rights Commission
- NSW Women’s Safety Commissioner
- Legal Aid NSW
- NSW Police Force
- NSW Public Service Commissioner
- Women NSW, Premier’s Department
- Full Stop Australia
- Australian Institute of Health and Safety
- Australian Industry Group
- Unions NSW
- Our Watch
- Muslim Women Australia
- Professor Rae Cooper, AO
The NSW Respect at Work Advisory Group met for the first time yesterday (24 October).
Other work
Work is already underway to curb sexual harassment in the workplace in NSW, with SafeWork NSW launching a four-year strategy to stamp out sexual harassment in the workplace.
A new, dedicated team focused on addressing gender-based harmful workplace behaviours, the SafeWork NSW Respect at Work Taskforce will lead the implementation of the strategy. This includes educating NSW businesses on their duties to prevent and respond to workplace sexual harassment before it occurs and take appropriate enforcement action to protect workers.