Section 2: The current context for this Inquiry SNAP SHOT • Sexual harassment is a significant issue in Australian workplaces that affects people across all industries. • Legislative and regulatory frameworks provide avenues for victims to seek redress, but there is often confusion among both employers and victims on how to navigate them. • Since the Sex Discrimination Act 1984 (Cth) was introduced, there have been substantial changes to the nature of work. • The changing nature of work, with self-employment and other forms of ‘non-standard’ work becoming more common, along with lower rates of union membership, can create particular challenges for reporting sexual harassment. • Technological change has blurred the distinction between the personal and the professional world, creating ambiguity about the boundaries of the workplace and new opportunities for sexual harassment to occur. • There is increasing public awareness of sexual harassment, driven by media reporting and social media campaigns. There is also a growing understanding of the economic cost of sexual harassment. • Australia is well positioned to take a leadership role in the global response to sexual harassment. 68