WORKPLACES should be a safe place for all workers, and the introduction of new legislation to Parliament last week aims to ensure that.
The Respect at Work and Other Matters Bill enhance protections for Queensland workers from discrimination, vilification, sexual harassment, victimisation and other unlawful behaviours.
It will also aim to protect Queensland workers against sex-based discrimination and harassment and make a change that means assaults in the workplace will be an aggravated sentencing factor for judges to consider when sentencing an offender.
National evidence shows female workers are more likely to be subjected to sexual harassment in the workplace, with 89 per cent experiencing sexual harassment at some point in their lifetime, while 77 per cent of all workers have been sexually harassed at some time during their working life.
The Bill will include new prohibitions of harassment on the basis of sex, a prohibition on subjecting another person to a work environment that is hostile on the ground of sex; and a positive duty on all employers to take reasonable and proportionate measures to eliminate discrimination and sexual harassment.
“All Queenslanders have the right to feel safe from unlawful conduct including discrimination, sexual harassment, vilification and victimisation,” Attorney-General, Minister for Justice, and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Yvette D’Ath said.
“These laws don’t just protect workers, they also benefit workplaces, as employees will be able to feel safe, valued and supported, meaning they can work to their potential,” she said.
Queensland Council of Unions general secretary Jacqueline King said: “The QCU welcome the introduction of this Bill as a historic step forward for Queensland workers, providing great protections for working people against harmful discrimination.”
