New reforms also mandate employers to develop written sexual harassment prevention plan
Starting in September, employers across Queensland will be required to proactively manage the risk of sexual harassment in workplace as part of new reforms passed by the state government.
The Work Health and Safety (Sexual Harassment) Amendment Regulation 2024 will mandate employers to assess specific individual or workplace characteristics that could heighten the risk of sexual harassment at work, such as isolated and remote locations or workplaces with low diversity.
"Workplace sexual harassment has no place in Queensland which is why we're addressing this scourge with the strongest regulations anywhere in Australia," said Industrial Relations Minister Grace Grace in a statement.
Sexual harassment prevention plan
Under the reforms, employers will also be required to implement a written sexual harassment prevention plan from early 2025.
The plans must state the identified risks, the control measures implemented, as well as the consultation undertaken to develop the plan, according to the state government.
"It's no longer enough for employers to just hope sexual harassment won't happen in their workplace – they need a proactive written plan to prevent it," Grace said.
According to the reforms, the written prevention plans should have the following:
- Information on how people can make a complaint
- How the complaint will be investigated
- The processes that will be undertaken
- How relevant parties will be informed of result
"The plan needs to be understandable, clearly communicated, and backed by processes to support those who experience it," Grace added.
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To help employers comply with these new obligations, the Office of Industrial Relations will develop extensive guidance materials.