We applaud the passing of the historic respect@work bill

Because everyone deserves respect.

Everyone has the right to feel safe at work and it starts with #Respect! Today we @equidi applaud what represents a major step forward when it comes to #GenderEquality in the workplace.

The historic Respect@Work Bill was just passed by the Australian parliament, with Kate Jenkins (Sex Discrimination Commissioner and author of the landmark Respect@Work report) declaring it “… a major achievement that fundamentally changes how Australia protects people from workplace sexual harassment.”

The Bill, which “significantly progresses gender equality by ensuring women are able to earn a living in safe, sexual harassment-free workplaces,” said Attorney General, Mark Dreyfus – is not set to be enforced for another 12 months. Which gives organisations the time and runway to enact meaningful change.

Though (of course) we’re keen for organisations to get on the front foot, and are fully supportive of Jenkin's urging of “all workplaces to implement change now, so that people may enjoy safer workplaces, free from sexual harassment, sooner.

So what does the change in legislation mean for mean for me?

• 👍 Requirement to be proactive vs reactive: With the onus being on businesses to take action to prevent harassment from occurring – the legislation prohibits conduct that leads to a "hostile workplace environment on the basis of sex". 

• 👍 A higher, more enforceable standard for compliance: Under the legislation the Australian Human Rights Commission will be endowed with new powers to enforce 'workplace compliance in eliminating harassment, discrimination, and victimisation' - and the power to issue compliance notices to businesses not meeting obligations.

• 👍 Reporting mandate for Commonwealth public sector organisations: Now required to report to the Workplace Gender Equality Agency.