
New Laws Require Australian Employers to Prevent Workplace Harassment
Australian employers must now prevent sexual harassment and discrimination in the workplace under new legal obligations. On Dec. 12, the Australian Human Rights Commission gained the power to ensure businesses work to eliminate sexual harassment. Following a key recommendation from the Respect@Work report, the change focuses on preventing sexual harassment rather than reacting after it occurs. Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus added that it was about shifting the responsibility from employees to employers. “The new role of the Australian Human Rights Commission will be a positive step towards ensuring safe, inclusive and respectful workplaces for all employees,” he said, noting every workplace should be free from harassment and discrimination....
