How Australia Is Transforming Workplace Harassment Prevention

The Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC), an independent body that investigates discrimination complaints and human rights breaches, is shifting its focus from resolving reactive complaints to a more proactive prevention of workplace sexual harassment and discrimination.

The AHRC's continued emphasis, which is primarily focused on high-risk industries like retail and hospitality, reflects a broader cultural shift in Australian workplace norms. Against this shift, employers across all sectors should take proactive steps to review their practices, engage with available resources and ensure they are not only meeting but exceeding their obligations under the Sex Discrimination Act 1984 (Cth) (the 'Act').