Diversity Council Australia (DCA) has today welcomed news that the federal government is moving to implement many of the remaining legislative changes recommended by Sex Discrimination Commissioner Kate Jenkins in her Respect@Work report.
DCA has long championed the full implementation of the Respect@Work report.
Quotes attributable to DCA CEO, Lisa Annese:
“DCA welcomes the Government’s action in continuing to implement the recommendations of the Respect@Work report.
“DCA’s more than 1,100 member organisations are committed to standing against gendered harassment and violence in all its forms and are already taking steps in their organisations to address sexual and sex-based harassment, to make the workplace safe for everyone.
“The changes proposed by this Bill, in particular the inclusion of a positive duty will be a crucial and significant shift in Australia’s sex discrimination framework.
“The current reactive process isn’t working to ensure that people are protected from sexual harassment.
“Based on our work with DCA members over many years we believe that a positive duty will focus an employer on actions that will lead to more respectful and inclusive workplace cultures and this will significantly benefit their business
“We encourage the government to continue to work with businesses throughout its implementation so that employers are adequately supported throughout these changes.
“We would also encourage the government to ensure that implementation is adequately resourced.
“DCA is committed to advising our members and assisting them with resources and education on how to fulfill their responsibilities under the positive duties.”
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Media Contact: media@dca.org.au