Review into reporting sexual harassment at work

EMPLOYERS could be forced to report any instance of sexual harassment to WorkSafe under changes to be examined by the Victorian government.

The government on Monday announced a new ministerial taskforce to explore reforms that could stamp out instances of sexual harassment at work.

It will include a review of how employers are required to respond to complaints, with the government flagging mandatory reporting of sexual harassment would be considered.

This would mean companies would have to immediately notify WorkSafe of incidents.

Workplace Safety Minister Ingrid Stitt said mandatory reporting was already required for other important issues, such as COVID-19 cases and serious accidents.

“This is, in relation to sexual harassment, one other area that we want to look at and we want the taskforce to consider adding to that list,” she said on International Women’s Day.

Ms Stitt said one in three people had been sexually harassed in the workplace over the past five years but most incidents were not reported.

“That is an unacceptable situation and one that we need to urgently address,” she said.

The taskforce will consider ways to prevent misuse of nondisclosure agreements surrounding sexual harassment complaints.

WorkSafe and the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission will also sign a memorandum of understanding to take a unified approach to the problem and share information.

Ms Stitt said the taskforce would also consider ways to make it easier for victims to come forward.

“To have the confidence that (complaint) is not going to blow back on them … That’s a very important part,” she said.