Promoting equality: International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
On March 21, we commemorate the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. This year’s theme, “A Decade of Recognition,” marks a crucial milestone in an ongoing global effort to combat racism and promote equality. As we reflect on the progress made over the past decade, we also recognise the challenges that persist not just in […]
Pioneering case reveals the crucial importance of workplace breastfeeding accommodations
Recent developments in the Australian legal landscape shed light on an issue that has far-reaching implications for workplaces across the nation – breastfeeding accommodations for mothers returning to work. In a groundbreaking case, the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal (ACAT) addressed workplace discrimination against a breastfeeding employee, establishing a precedent that underscores the need for employers to […]
Preparing for AHRC oversight: Four initiatives to navigate the Respect@Work Act
As of December 12, 2023, the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) wields unprecedented authority to rigorously oversee compliance, publicly identify, and penalise businesses falling short in addressing and preventing workplace sexual harassment. The game-changing Respect@Work Act of 2022, through amendments to the Sex Discrimination Act 1984 (Cth), Workplace Safety laws, Fair Work Act 2009, and […]
AHRC’s Guidelines for Effective Online Education and Training – Sex Discrimination Act 1984 (Cth)
Paving the Path to Equality In light of recent amendments to the Sex Discrimination Act 1984 (Cth), organisations are now tasked with proactively addressing behaviours that undermine workplace equality. This blog explores the guidelines from the Australian Human Rights Commission on effective education and training to foster a fair and inclusive environment, with a particular […]
Navigating the seas of change: Reality TV’s reflection on workplace harassment
In the realm of reality television, where captivating narratives often take centre stage, a recent episode of Below Deck Down Under has cast a harsh spotlight on a grave reality that extends far beyond the entertainment industry. The revelations of two sexual misconduct incidents involving staff members on the show have not only sent shockwaves […]
Workplace Sexual Harassment: Risks and impacts on organisations and employees
Sexual harassment in the workplace is a serious issue that can have a profound impact on both the employees who experience it and the organisation. In Australia, the prevalence of workplace sexual harassment has been highlighted in the recent Respect@Work report, which found that one in three workers have experienced sexual harassment in the workplace. […]
Respect@Work Act: New positive duty for managers in Australia
Sexual harassment in the workplace is a serious issue that affects one in four workers in Australia. To address this issue, the Respect@Work Act was introduced to impose new responsibilities on managers and employers in the country, making it mandatory for them to take steps to prevent harassment in their workplace. The Respect@Work Act The […]
Preventing Sexual Harassment in the workplace: Why diversity and inclusion is key
Sexual harassment in the workplace is a serious issue that affects employees, businesses and society. It is estimated that 1 in 5 women and 1 in 20 men experience sexual harassment in the workplace in Australia. This highlights the importance of taking proactive steps to prevent harassment and creating a safe, respectful workplace for all […]
Respect@Work Act 2022: Consequences for non-compliance
The Anti-Discrimination and Human Rights Legislation Amendment (Respect@Work) Act 2022 is a new law in Australia that was passed in 2022 with the aim of addressing and preventing sexual harassment in the workplace. The act is intended to create a safer and more inclusive work environment for all employees by changing the way sexual harassment is handled […]
What is and isn’t considered sexual harassment in the workplace?
Sexual harassment in the workplace is a serious issue that can have a detrimental effect on an individual’s mental and physical well-being, as well as their career. It is defined as any unwanted or unwelcome sexual advances, comments, gestures, or physical contact that is offensive or makes an individual feel uncomfortable. Types of sexual harassment […]