12 November 2008
Commissioner releases Code of Practice for sexual harassment in the workplace
Federal Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Elizabeth Broderick, today released resources titled ‘Effectively preventing and responding to sexual harassment: A Code of Practice for employers’ at a forum of employers and business leaders, co-hosted by the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, in Melbourne.
“Our research shows that sexual harassment continues to be a problem in the modern workplace, particularly because there seems to be a significant lack of understanding, among both women and men, about what behaviours constitute sexual harassment,” Commissioner Broderick said.
The Commissioner said that the Australian Human Rights Commission’s recent Sexual Harassment National Telephone Survey found that 22 per cent of women and 5 per cent of men have experienced sexual harassment in Australian workplaces. The survey also found that, of the respondents who said they had not experienced sexual harassment according to the legal definition, when presented with examples of behaviours that are considered to be sexual harassment, one in five said they had experienced one or more of them.
“These findings highlight the serious need for accurate information about sexual harassment in the workplace – not just for employers, but for employees,” Ms Broderick said.
“We will be working together with unions and employer groups to drive down the incidence of sexual harassment in Australian workplaces.”
Commissioner Broderick said that the Code of Practice and its associated Quick Guide were tools for employers that could be used to identify inappropriate behaviours and to assist them in taking preventative steps.
“These resources are a practical guide to the law, as well as a set of tips for employers on developing and implementing sexual harassment policies and grievance procedures.” the Commissioner said.
Both the Code of Practice and the Quick Guide can be downloaded from the Australian Human Rights Commission website at: www.humanrights.gov.au/sexualharassment/employers_code/
Media contact: Brinsley Marlay 02 9284 9656 or 0430 366 529
