Ai Group is representing business in an advisory group established by the NSW Government to address workplace sexual harassment.
Helen Waldron, Ai Group’s Head of NSW and Head of Member Relations, and Nicola Street, Ai Group’s Director of Workplace Relations Policy, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, have been invited to join and share their expertise with the NSW Respect at Work Advisory Group, which met for the first time last week.
Led by SafeWork NSW, the group (pictured with Helen and Nicola, both far right) will inform the State Government’s approach to regulating workplace sexual harassment and ensure efforts are coordinated with key NSW and federal government agencies working to address sexual harassment.
It comprises representatives from a variety of organisations that also include the Anti-Discrimination Board of NSW and the Australian Human Rights Commission.
Ms Street, along with Ai Group Chief Executive Innes Willox, already represents business on the Federal Government’s Respect@Work Council, whose job it is to oversee the implementation of the Respect@Work report’s recommendations.
“The SafeWork NSW Respect at Work Advisory Group is an important step in ensuring employers receive appropriate guidance and support regarding the prevention of unlawful conduct under Work Health and Safety (WHS) legislation," Ms Street said.
"An effective regulatory framework for preventing workplace sexual harassment is one that is easily understood by business and can be implemented in a diverse range of business environments."
NSW's Minister for Prevention of Domestic Violence and Assault Jodie Harrison said the work the group will do is key to changing the culture in workplaces to one of respect and inclusiveness.
The most recent data from the Australian Human Rights Commission found a third of Australians have experienced sexual harassment in the workplace.
Ai Group represents the collective interests of members in various state and federal government forums to eliminate workplace sexual harassment in Australian workplaces. Our voice is informed by members of Ai Group’s Diversity & Inclusion Network.
For more information about the new Respect@Work laws , Ai Group’s Workplace Advice Line on 1300 55 66 77 can assist.
In addition, Ai Group Workplace Lawyers has a national team of trained investigators that can look into allegations of sexual harassment, sex-based harassment, victimisation and other forms of unlawful workplace behaviour, such as bullying and discrimination, within the framework of the new Respect@Work laws and modern standards. Contact info@aigroupworkplacelawyers.com.au for assistance.
Wendy Larter is Communications Manager at the Australian Industry Group. She has more than 20 years’ experience as a reporter, features writer, contributor and sub-editor for newspapers and magazines including The Courier-Mail in Brisbane and Metro, the News of the World, The Times and Elle in the UK.
