Between April and June 2018, the Australian Human Rights Commission conducted a national survey to investigate the prevalence, nature and reporting of sexual harassment in Australian workplaces and the community more broadly.
The results of the 2018 National Survey were more detailed and more robust than ever before, with more than 10,000 Australians surveyed – five times the number of people who have participated in previous years.
The results of the survey were outlined in a report released by the Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Kate Jenkins, on 5 March 2020.
It outlined that the prevalence of sexual harassment in some industries was higher than others. These industries (and the prevalence of sexual harassment in them) were: information, media and telecommunications (81 per cent); arts and recreation services (49 per cent); electricity, gas, water and waste services (47 per cent); retail trade (42 per cent); and mining (40 per cent).
The Commission’s report noted that workplaces have a higher risk of experiencing sexual harassment when they are male-dominated; involve a high level of contact with customers and clients; or are characterised by hierarchical workplace or training structures.
In response to the report’s findings, the Minerals Council of Australia (MCA) said the Australian minerals industry will be taking action to eliminate workplace sexual harassment.
This includes expanding the scope of the minerals industry’s safety and health policy and releasing a strong and direct statement on the importance of eliminating sexual harassment in Australian mining workplaces.
Chief Executive Officer of the MCA, Tania Constable, said safety is the core value of the Australian minerals industry and a safe and fair workplace is essential.
“Yet with the Commission’s report finding that 40 per cent of the minerals industry workforce had experienced some form of sexual harassment in the past five years, with women more than twice as likely as men to be sexually harassed, it is clear that the industry needs to lead a decisive response and take stronger action,” she said.
“The Safe, Healthy and Respectful Workplaces policy is focused on building and sustaining respectful workplaces, and combined with the industry’s commitment to eliminating sexual harassment – endorsed by the MCA Board – will ensure Australian mining companies can work together to end unacceptable and illegal behaviour.”
“Our workers are our greatest asset and must be valued, respected and protected,” Ms Constable said.
Following the release of Commissioner Jenkins’ report, the MCA established a Respect@Work Taskforce to broaden its safety and health policy and develop a commitment to eliminating sexual harassment. The Taskforce reports to the MCA National Safety and Health Working Group, building on the minerals sector’s strong and positive safety culture and systems to make changes focused on care for the whole person.
“Sending a clear message across the industry and the community that sexual harassment is unacceptable and will not be tolerated will put the sector on the right path for change,” Ms Constable commented.
“The industry’s commitment will be implemented through an industry code and toolkit to establish clear expectations and protocols on preventing and responding to sexual harassment in our workplaces.”
The Safe, Healthy and Respectful Workplaces policy can be found here.