New network to encourage industry leaders to learn from each other
The Victorian government is brining industry leaders together in a new initiative aimed at preventing gendered violence in the workplace.
The initiative, called the WorkWell Respect Network, seeks to build knowledge among workplace leaders, senior management, unions, and employer representatives to prevent and respond to gendered violence in the workplace, including sexual harassment.
"The WorkWell Respect Network will bring industry leaders together to prevent work-related gendered violence, encouraging workplaces to share their insights and learn from each other," said Minister for WorkSafe and the TAC Danny Pearson in a statement.
According to the government, the network will convene in a series of events to share evidence, insights, best practice approaches, and resources.
Work-related gendered violence includes behaviours that affect the health and safety of an individual because of their gender or sexual orientation. This covers sexual harassment, stalking, verbal abuse, unwelcome comments or gestures, and even threats or physical violence.
In Australia, one in three people had experienced workplace sexual harassment in the past five years, and one in five in the previous year, according to the Australian Human Rights Commission.
"There is no place for violence, aggression or sexual harassment at work – all Victorian workers deserve to feel safe and respected in their workplace," Pearson said.
The learning network is part of a bigger $6.6-million WorkWell Respect Programme, the state government said.
The programme incorporates the WorkWell Respect Fund, which provides funding to evidence-based projects that will create industry-wide change in health care, education, local government, and the legal system.
