Thursday 8 April 2021
The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) has welcomed the Federal Government's response to the [email protected] Report and measures to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace.
ARA CEO Paul Zahra said sexual harassment has been a blight on Australian workplaces for far too long and the measures announced today are a positive step to creating safe work environments for everyone.
"The [email protected] Report painted a dark and disturbing picture of what has gone on in Australian workplaces and we're pleased to see the Federal Government's response finally announced today," Mr Zahra said.
"The Report found 39% of women and 26% of men had experienced sexual harassment at work, and that it costs the Australian economy $3.8 billion each year. We need a powerful and coordinated response to address this disgusting scourge and the Government's response is a positive first step.
"Changes have been announced to various forms of legislation, including the Fair Work Act, which will be amended to include sexual harassment as a valid reason for dismissal.
"The Government's commitment to education programs and prevention strategies are also a positive move to stopping harassment from occurring in the first place.
"Everyone has an important role to play - Governments, industry groups, employers and employees - to ensure we deliver safe workplaces and deliver the cultural change that is so desperately required."
