Respect@Work paved the way for transformative legislative, regulatory, and cultural change across the
Australian workforce with respect to sexual harassment. On 8 April 2021, the Government released its
official response to Respect@Work, titled Roadmap for Respect: Preventing and Addressing Sexual Harassment
in Australian Workplaces (Roadmap for Respect). All 55 of the Respect@Work report recommendations
were agreed upon (in full, in part, or in principle) or noted.
‘The Kate Jenkins’ report, Respect@Work is a game changer. It is changing the very narrative that
will drive the appropriate actions needed right across governments and across our society.’
The Hon Scott Morrison MP, Prime Minister, 8 April 2021.
In June 2021, the Australian Government introduced the Sex Discrimination and Fair Work (Respect at
Work) Amendment Bill 2021, which gives effect to Respect@Work recommendations 16, 20, 21, 22, 29, and
30. Specifically, this Bill clarifies that harassing a person on the basis of sex is unlawful; broadens the scope
of persons protected to include interns, volunteers and self-employed persons; clarifies that a complaint
of victimisation can be considered as either a civil or criminal matter; extends the time frame for which a
complaint can be made to the AHRC; clarifies that the Fair Work Commission (FWC) may make an order to
stop sexual harassment; and clarifies that sexual harassment is a valid reason for dismissal.
‘This legislation is a considerable step in achieving greater safety and economic security for women
across the whole of our society.’
Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash, Attorney-General, 24 June 2021.
Implementing recommendation 14, the Respect@Work Council (the Council) was established in March
2021 by the Assistant Minister to the Attorney-General, Senator the Hon Amanda Stoker, and has to date
convened twice, in March and May 2021. The Council is chaired by Commissioner Jenkins and brings
together leaders from eight key government regulators and policy makers responsible for sexual
harassment policies and complaints. The Council’s objective is to improve coordination, consistency, and
clarity across existing legal and regulatory frameworks, to identify ways to promote safer workplaces, and
to provide oversight of the implementation of key Respect@Work recommendations. The Council is
supported by a Secretariat located within the Attorney-General’s Department.
Partnerships to implement Respect@Work
Under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Attorney-General’s Department, the Commission
is taking the lead on implementation of Respect@Work recommendations 2, 9, 34, 36, 37, 40, 48, and 52.
Under the MoU, the Attorney-General’s Department will pay the Commission a total of $1,307,399 to
achieve key deliverables including the development of education and training materials that will address
the nature, drivers, and impacts of sexual harassment, as well as the rights and responsibilities of
employers and workers with respect to sexual harassment. An online platform will also be developed that
will deliver information, education, and resources to support all workplaces to prevent and respond to
sexual harassment. The online platform is due to be completed and active within 12 months.
Annual Report 2020–2021
Australian Human Rights Commission
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