Workplace Sexual Harassment

Course information

Sexual harassment remains an unacceptably common occurrence in Australian workplaces, with one in three workers reporting experiences of workplace sexual harassment in the last five years, as revealed by the National Survey on Sexual Harassment in Australian Workplaces.

The purpose of this course is to help minimise incidents of sexual harassment in professional settings as well as provide guidance on responding appropriately when faced with such unacceptable behaviour, whether as a direct victim or witness.

In this course, you will:  

• explore the definition of workplace sexual harassment and recognise those who are particularly vulnerable to it
• review instances of actions and behaviours associated with sexual harassment
• interact with a case study that demonstrates the impact of sexual harassment on those experiencing and witnessing it
• learn about the Fair Work Commission's role in addressing sexual harassment

Applicable legislation

Anti-Discrimination and Human Rights Legislation Amendment (Respect at Work) Act 2022 (Cth), Sex Discrimination Act 1984 (Cth)

New positive duty on employers to prevent workplace sexual harassment, sex discrimination and victimisation

Since December 2022, employers and persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs) have also had a positive duty to prevent workplace sexual harassment, sex discrimination and victimisation.

Anti-Discrimination and Human Rights Legislation Amendment (Respect at Work) Act 2022 (Cth) amended the Sex Discrimination Act 1984 (Cth), introducing a positive duty on employers and PCBUs to eliminate: 

• workplace sexual harassment, sex discrimination and sex-based harassment; 
• conduct that amounts to subjecting a person to a hostile workplace environment on the ground of sex; 
• and, certain acts of victimisation. 

This important change requires employers and PCBUs to proactively prevent workplace sexual harassment, sex discrimination and victimisation rather than merely reacting to incidents.

Who is this course for?

Employees, contractors and volunteers