Free NSW workshops target workplace sexual harassment

The NSW Government is promoting the From Risk to Respect: Preventing Workplace Sexual Harassment Workshops during NSW Women’s Week. Developed by gendered violence prevention experts and SafeWork NSW’s Respect at Work Taskforce, the face-to-face sessions focus on changing workplace attitudes and behaviours. They are central to $1 million in workplace sexual harassment prevention support under the state’s first dedicated Primary Prevention Strategy.

Workshop locations include Gosford, Campbelltown, Newcastle, Wollongong, Tweed Heads, Wagga Wagga, Tamworth, Coffs Harbour, Richmond, Orange, Maitland, Liverpool, Dubbo and Albury. Registration details and information about workplace sexual harassment obligations are available on the NSW Government website.

NSW work health and safety laws require businesses to manage psychosocial risks, including sexual harassment. This includes preventing harm and providing effective ways for workers to report work health and safety issues. According to the Australian Human Rights Commission’s Respect@Work National Inquiry Report, one in three Australians has experienced workplace sexual harassment. The most common forms include sexually suggestive comments or jokes at 27 per cent, intrusive questions about private life or physical appearance at 23 per cent, and unwelcome physical contact at 19 per cent.

The workshop funding sits within the NSW Government’s $38 million implementation of Pathways to Prevention, its Primary Prevention Strategy. The strategy identifies workplaces as a priority because of their reach across the community and capacity to foster equality and respect. Last year, the government also mandated specialised sexual harassment and sexual violence prevention training for all hospitality staff and liquor licence holders, describing the requirement as an Australian first.

Minister for Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis said the workshops would give businesses knowledge and tools to prevent sexual harassment and build safer workplace cultures. She also outlined the government’s $127.7 million investment in SafeWork NSW, including 51 new inspectors, 20 of them focused on psychosocial issues. A dedicated Psychosocial Advisory Service is also being established to provide information and support to businesses and workers.

Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said the workshops would educate leaders and organisations about their prevention responsibilities while addressing attitudes and cultures that contribute to gendered violence. NSW Women’s Safety Commissioner Dr Hannah Tonkin encouraged business leaders to register, saying employers need both an understanding of their duties and the practical skills to provide workplaces free of sexual harassment and violence.

SafeWork NSW Commissioner Janet Schorer said sexual harassment and gender-based violence can cause physical and psychological harm and expose businesses to legal, financial and reputational risks. “SafeWork NSW expects business to be aware of their work health and safety obligations to prevent sexual harassment.” She encouraged businesses to register their interest in the workshops, which she said would explain the causes of gender-based harms and practical prevention steps.

Workers with workplace health and safety concerns can contact SafeWork NSW on 13 10 50 or through the Speak Up Save Lives app. People experiencing domestic and family violence can call the NSW Domestic Violence Line on 1800 65 64 63 for free counselling and referrals, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Confidential advice, support and referrals are also available through 1800 RESPECT or 13 YARN.

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