The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has stated that surveys ‘are a useful means of gathering information not otherwise captured by government agencies and NGOs [non-government organisations]’.22 For example, victims may be more likely to disclose incidents of family, domestic or sexual violence in response to a survey which provides them with the opportunity to remain anonymous. This may include incidents they have not reported to the police or other agencies.23 For this reason, surveys can provide a clearer picture of prevalence than complaints or other government data, which only reflect those people who have made a formal complaint or engaged with a government service. The 2018 National Survey found that most sexual harassment in the workplace is not formally reported.24 This was consistent with what the Commission heard in consultations and submissions throughout this Inquiry. Given the lack of reporting and the absence of comprehensive data from human rights and anti-discrimination agencies and regulatory agencies that handle sexual harassment matters (discussed below), the Commission’s national surveys provide the most comprehensive and robust data available in Australia to understand the prevalence, nature, reporting and impacts of workplace sexual harassment. Large-scale surveys, such as the Commission’s national survey, can also assist in measuring progress to address sexual harassment. The United Kingdom (UK) House of Commons Women and Equalities Committee recently concluded that: It is crucial, if we are to gauge the effect of actions being taken now to stamp out sexual harassment in the workplace, that robust and comparable data is collected at regular intervals.25 This Committee recommended that as complaints or administrative data ‘tells only a small part of the story’, large-scale, government-funded surveys should be conducted regularly to determine the prevalence and nature of sexual harassment in the workplace.26 (iv) Capturing detailed industry data The national survey can provide useful information to assist employers, governments, unions and others to better target prevention initiatives, resources and support. For example, it can highlight industries, occupations, or types of workplaces with higher prevalence rates of sexual harassment. It can also point to industries in which there is less formal reporting despite a high prevalence of sexual harassment, indicating there may be particular barriers to reporting. The Commission heard from employers that the national survey was: a fantastic opportunity to be able to go back to the workplace and say hey, look at these results, let’s just have a chat about our workplace and what we can be doing.27 Giving employers robust and reliable data will help inform tailored actions and responses to workplace sexual harassment. Respect@Work: National Inquiry into Sexual Harassment in Australian Workplaces • 2020 • 99