Sexual Harassment in the Workplace_Respect at Work Bill 2022_Legislative Changes_Fact Sheet

This Fact Sheet outlines the legislative amendments made to the Sex Discrimination Act 1984.  The new legislative amendments commenced introducing the new positive duty to all employers and persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU’s) to take “reasonable and proportionate measures” to eliminate unlawful sex discrimination, including sexual harassment, as far as possible.

Legislative changes include:

1.     Positive Duty to eliminate sexual harassment and discrimination

2.    Prohibition on subjecting others to hostile workplace environments on the grounds of sex

3.    Expended investigative and enforcement powers for Australian Human Rights Commission

-         Fines for non compliance

-         Next steps for employers