11 March 2022
A plan to increase gender equality across the Northern Territory supports a new Territory Labor Government policy to prevent sexual harassment in the public service workplace.
The Northern Territory Gender Equality Action Plan (GEAP) also underpins initiatives including the Aboriginal Justice Agreement, seniors and multicultural policies, and the NT Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Reduction Framework.
The GEAP will develop measures, indicators, and data sets to monitor progress towards achieving gender equality in the Northern Territory.
Developed following extensive consultations across the NT, the GEAP lays the foundations to advance gender equality from 2022 - 2025 including the implementation of egalitarian measures into government policies, practices and initiatives.
The guiding principles of the GEAP includes:
encouraging inclusive, intersectional, and strength-based approaches;supporting the inclusion of gender equity measures;building evidence to find what works to achieve gender equality in the Northern Territory;challenging rigid gender norms and stereotypes; andfocusing on long-term systemic, structural, attitudinal and behavioural change.
The new Policy for the Prevention of Sexual Harassment in the Workplace complements the Territory Labor Government's Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Framework 2020-2028 here which aims to prevent and respond to sexual violence, reduce incidence, and support those who have been subjected to sexual violence.
Employees have always been required to conduct themselves in a manner that is consistent with the public service code of conduct. However, this policy involves training, education, increasing awareness and is another step towards helping prevent and respond to sexual harassment.
As part of the policy implementation, employees with management responsibilities must adopt a zero tolerance approach to sexual harassment; and protection will be provided for bystanders and witnesses who are encouraged to speak up. The NT Public Service will also offer training and awareness-raising strategies to ensure all employees know their rights and responsibilities.
View the Gender Equality Action Plan hereand the Policy for the Prevention of Sexual Harassment in the Workplace here.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Women, Lauren Moss:
"This Gender Equality Action Plan demonstrates the Territory Labor Government's commitment to an inclusive, healthy, safe, fair, and economically-secure Northern Territory where gender is never a barrier to inclusion.
"We are laying the foundations for a better future for Territorians by supporting gender equality, celebrating gender diversity, and acknowledging gender inequality."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Public Employment, Paul Kirby:
"Our new Policy for the Prevention of Sexual Harassment in the Workplace makes it clear that sexual harassment is unlawful and will not be tolerated.
"This policy shows the Territory Labor Government is committed to ensuring our public service employees are able to work in a safe, flexible, and respectful environment that is free from all forms of sexual harassment."
