Women win more support to fight workplace sexual harassment
An estimated $2.5 million of additional legal assistance is in the pipeline for South Australian women experiencing sexual harassment in the workplace.
Attorney-General Kyam Maher. Photo: Tony Lewis/InDaily
In line with the recommendations in the Australian Human Rights Commission’s Respect@Work report, the State Government is finalising plans with the Working Women’s Centre of South Australia to provide the additional support over three years.
State Attorney-General and Industrial Relations Minister Kyam Maher said sexual harassment and discrimination were far too prevalent in the workplace.
“The Working Women’s Centre of South Australia has played an integral role in supporting women in the workplace, and their team of experts are well-placed to deliver these much-needed additional services,” Maher said.
“These additional supports send a clear message that sexual harassment is not welcome in the workplace, and we will always stand by victims of harassment and discrimination.”
The Working Women’s Centre specialises in employment and industrial matters, providing free advice, confidential information, support and representation to vulnerable workers living in South Australia about their rights at work.
The Respect@Work: Sexual Harassment National Inquiry Report (2020) called for increased funding for working women’s centres in recognition of the prevalence of harassment and discrimination faced by many women in the workplace.
When Australia’s Sex Discrimination Commissioner Kate Jenkins delivered the Respect@Work report she said it was with a “sense of urgency and hope”.
“I have been devastated by the experiences of sexual harassment within workplaces I have heard about through this inquiry, the harms suffered by victims and the cost to the economy,” she said at the time.
“However, I have also been heartened by the whole-of-community response to the National Inquiry. Australia wants change.”
This new funding comes through the National Legal Assistance Partnership 2020-2025 with the Commonwealth Government to directly support frontline services in addressing workplace sexual harassment and discrimination.
Minister for Women and the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Katrine Hildyard said the prevalence of women being exposed to sexual harassment or gendered discrimination in the workplace or anywhere else was unacceptable.
“The Respect@Work Report recommendations urge governments to act to end this terrible scourge,” she said.
Australian Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus said the Albanese Government would implement the recommendations of the Respect@Work report in full.
