Australia: Code of Practice on Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

New guidelines on how best to safeguard employees against sexual and gender-based harassment at work have been approved and published and can be found here.

The stated purpose of the Code is to assist those responsible, including employers, in ensuring that employees and others are not exposed to the risks of harm at work, both physical and psychological.  It is intended to provide a useful practical guide to assist all employers in complying with their work health and safety obligations.   

While it does not strictly speaking apply directly to all organisation, it is a useful benchmark for employers who should note that Courts and labour inspectors may have regard to the Code when considering what is practicable and appropriate in individual cases and workplaces.  

This is a high level general update only. Legal advice should be obtained on specific circumstances.