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#MeToo makes waves in Australia with workplace sex harassment probe
SYDNEY, June 20, 2018 (BSS/AFP) – Australia launched a national inquiry
into workplace sexual harassment Wednesday, in a sign governments are
beginning to respond to a global issue highlighted by the massive #MeToo
movement.
The probe, to be conducted by the Australian Human Rights Commission, will
look into the legal framework on sexual harassment and review complaints made
to anti-discrimination agencies. It will also focus on the role of technology
and social media.
It comes on the back of the online #MeToo movement against sexual
misconduct that has made waves around the world and seen victims come forward
to report harassment, sometimes by leading figures in industry and the arts.
“No-one should have to suffer sexual harassment at work, or in any other
part of their lives,” Minister for Women Kelly O’Dwyer said in a statement.
O’Dwyer said the personal and career consequences of workplace sex
harassment were “very significant”, citing negative impacts such as reduced
productivity, high staff turnover, absenteeism, compensation claims and early
retirement.
A similar probe is underway in the UK, but the Commission said it believed
the Australian inquiry was the first to be launched in response to the #MeToo
movement, and demonstrated “international leadership” on the issue.
More than 20 percent of people aged over 15 have been sexually harassed in
Australia, with 68 percent of those cases in the workplace, according to the
government.
Sex Discrimination Commissioner Kate Jenkins said early indications from an
ongoing Australian survey would show that rates of sexual harassment have
“increased significantly” since the last one was conducted in 2012.
“The commission will use the findings of the national survey to identify
the scale and nature of the problem across a range of industry sectors,” she
added in a statement.
The United Nations’ labour body earlier this month said it would draft an
international treaty to protect workers from sexual harassment and violence.
BSS/AFP/MR/ 1037 hrs