Respect@Work

What is the Respect at Work Act?
Timeframes
Find out more
Resources

What is the Respect at Work Act?

The Respect at Work Act, passed in the Australian parliament in November 2022 creates a positive duty for employers to implement measures to prevent sexual harassment, sex discrimination and victimisation in the workplace. It also gives the Australian Human Rights Commission new regulatory powers.

The Act gives the Australian Human Rights Commission the ability to make enquiries, conduct investigations and issue compliance notices if it considers an organisation or industry has failed to comply with positive duty.

This Act changes the model from being complaints-based to one where employers must take action and continually assess and evaluate whether the requirements of the duty are being met.
(source: https://humanrights.gov.au/about/news/media-releases/passage-respectwork-bill-major-step-preventing-harassment).

Developing Talent can help your organisation fulfil these requirements through delivering a range of training, ranging from Equally Yours, workplace audits and coaching and mentoring. Contact us to find out how we might be able to assist in getting your organisation Respect at Work ready.

Over the past five years, one in three people experienced sexual harassment at work, with women experiencing higher rates of harassment than men. Everyone has the right to a safe and respectful workplace and the fact that workplaces have not been safe or respectful for so many Australians is unacceptable.

Senator the Hon Katy Gallagher
Minister for Finance, Minister for Women, Minister for the Public Service

Timeframes

The Australian Government has announced a 12 month transition period from the day after Royal Assent was given before the positive duty requirements become enforceable however, organisations are encouraged to start working towards this goal as soon as possible.

The Anti-Discrimination and Human Rights Legislation Amendment (Respect at Work) Bill 2022 was passed by both Houses of Parliament on 28 November 2022 and Royal Assent was given on 12 December 2022.

Source: https://humanrights.gov.au/about/news/media-releases/passage-respectwork-bill-major-step-preventing-harassment
Source: https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Bills_Legislation/Bills_Search_Results/Result?bId=r6916

How can I find out more?

There are many resources available to explain the Respect at Work Act in further detail. We can also provide strategic advice in this area. Contact us to discuss how we can partner with you.

Resources

Respect at Work Australian Government
https://www.respectatwork.gov.au/

Australian Human Rights Commission
https://humanrights.gov.au/our-work/sex-discrimination/publications/respectwork-community-guide-sexual-harassment-national

Australian Government Attorney-General’s Department implementation highlights
https://www.ag.gov.au/rights-and-protections/human-rights-and-anti-discrimination/respect-at-work/respectwork-implementation-highlights