Free ‘From Risk to Respect’ Workshops to Tackle Sexual Harassment at Work

The Minns Labor Government is marking NSW Women’s Week by expanding its primary prevention efforts against domestic, family and sexual violence, with free Respect at Work workshops for businesses at more than 20 metropolitan and regional locations across New South Wales.

Aligned with this year’s International Women’s Day theme, “Balance the Scales”, the initiative supports the vision that every woman and girl should be safe, heard and able to shape her own life without fear of violence or harassment.

The “From Risk to Respect: Preventing Workplace Sexual Harassment” workshops focus on shifting attitudes and behaviours in workplaces, embedding respect and compliance with work health and safety (WHS) obligations. They form the centrepiece of $1 million in funding dedicated to preventing sexual harassment in NSW workplaces under the state’s first Primary Prevention Strategy.

Developed by specialists in gendered violence prevention in partnership with the SafeWork NSW Respect at Work Taskforce, these one-day, face-to-face workshops are open to business owners and leaders from all sectors, regardless of organisational size. They are designed to support the development and implementation of robust WHS management systems, clear workplace policies and effective reporting pathways.

Under NSW WHS laws, persons conducting a business or undertaking must identify and manage psychosocial hazards, including sexual harassment. This involves proactive prevention, suitable control measures and accessible mechanisms for workers to raise WHS concerns. Integrating these obligations into documented WHS policies and procedures, and where relevant Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS), is critical to achieving compliance and cultural change. Resources to support these frameworks are available from specialist providers such as WHS management systems and policies and procedures templates.

Workshops will be delivered across metropolitan and regional NSW, including Gosford, Campbelltown, Newcastle, Wollongong, Tweed Heads, Wagga Wagga, Tamworth, Coffs Harbour, Richmond, Orange, Maitland, Liverpool, Dubbo and Albury, improving access for businesses statewide.

Workplace sexual harassment occurs across all industries. The Australian Human Rights Commission’s Respect@Work National Inquiry found that one in three Australians has experienced sexual harassment at work. Common behaviours include sexually suggestive comments or jokes, intrusive questions about a person’s private life or appearance, and unwelcome physical contact.

The workshop funding is part of the NSW Government’s $38 million implementation of its Primary Prevention Strategy, Pathways to Prevention. Workplaces are a key focus, given their broad reach and capacity to drive a culture of equality, safety and respect.

In an Australian first, the Minns Labor Government has also mandated specialised sexual harassment and sexual violence prevention training for all hospitality workers and liquor licence holders in NSW, to improve safety for hospitality staff and patrons.

NSW Minister for Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis stressed that every worker has the right to feel safe and respected at work. She noted that the workshops will give businesses the tools they need to prevent sexual harassment and foster a culture of safety. The Government has invested $127.7 million into SafeWork NSW, including 51 new inspectors, 20 of whom are dedicated psychosocial inspectors, as well as a new Psychosocial Advisory Service to support both businesses and workers.

Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison emphasised that workplace sexual harassment remains far too common and is unacceptable. She highlighted that the Government is pursuing a whole-of-community approach to change the attitudes and behaviours that underpin gendered violence, working to stop harm before it occurs. According to Minister Harrison, these workshops are an important step in educating leaders about their responsibilities and addressing the cultural and attitudinal drivers of workplace gendered violence.

NSW Women’s Safety Commissioner Dr Hannah Tonkin reiterated that employers have a duty to provide safe workplaces, free from sexual harassment and violence. She stated that the workshops will give business leaders practical steps to improve workplace safety, particularly for women, and reinforce the critical influence leaders have in shaping organisational culture and the wider community. Dr Tonkin encouraged business leaders across NSW to register and use this opportunity to strengthen protections for women at work.

SafeWork NSW Commissioner Janet Schorer underlined that sexual harassment and gender-based violence are unacceptable and can cause serious physical and psychological harm, while exposing businesses to legal, financial and reputational risks. She noted that SafeWork NSW expects businesses to understand and meet their WHS duties to prevent sexual harassment. The workshops will help organisations understand the causes of gender-based harm and how a WHS risk-management approach can effectively prevent workplace sexual harassment.

Businesses are encouraged to register their interest in attending these workshops and to take practical steps to build safer, more respectful workplaces that align with WHS requirements and best practice prevention strategies. Further details on registration and information about legal obligations to address workplace sexual harassment are available on the NSW Government’s Respect at Work webpage.

Workers with concerns about workplace health and safety can contact SafeWork NSW on 13 10 50 or via the Speak Up Save Lives app. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic and family violence, call the NSW Domestic Violence Line on 1800 65 64 63 for free, confidential counselling and referrals, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For confidential advice, support and referrals regarding sexual, domestic and family violence, contact 1800 RESPECT or 13 YARN.