Respect@Work
Respect@Work
In March 2020, the Australian Human Rights Commission released the Respect@Work: Sexual Harassment National Inquiry Report. The Respect@Work Report considered the nature, prevalence and drivers of sexual harassment, and the measures required to improve how Australian workplaces prevent and respond to sexual harassment.
The report made 55 recommendations directed to all levels of government and the private sector for policy and legislative reforms to prevent and address workplace sexual harassment.
All 55 recommendations have been actioned.
Respect@Work Council
The Respect@Work Council brings together leaders from key government regulators and policy makers responsible for sexual harassment policies and complaints handling, together with:
- employer groups
- worker representatives
- community organisations
- other experts.
It improves coordination, consistency and clarity across existing legal and regulatory frameworks.
Respect@Work Council Terms of Reference
Annual Report
The Respect@Work Council was required by its establishing Terms of Reference (2021) to deliver 2 annual reports on its operations and the delivery of its responsibilities.
Guidance and other resources
Information about positive duty in the Sex Discrimination Act 1984 and related guidance materials:
- Positive Duty | Preventing Workplace Sexual Harassment
- A Quick Guide for Complying with the Positive Duty under the Sex Discrimination Act 1984 (Cth)
- Guidelines for Complying with the Positive Duty under the Sex Discrimination Act 1984 (Cth)
Guidelines on the use of confidentiality clauses in the resolution of workplace sexual harassment complaints:
- Use of Confidentiality Clauses in the Resolution of WSH Complaints | Australian Human Rights Commission
- Confidentiality Clause Guidelines Fact Sheet for Small Business
- Confidentiality Clause Guidelines Fact Sheet for Individuals
- Confidentiality Clause Guidelines Fact Sheet for Lawyers
Following recommendations 24 and 25 of the Respect@Work Report, the Australian National University conducted a research report: Damages and Costs in Sexual Harassment Litigation: A Doctrinal, Qualitative and Quantitative Study.