Creating Safer Workplaces: Lessons from Lived Experience

Workplace sexual harassment remains a widespread and damaging issue in Australian workplaces, especially for employees from marginalised communities. The Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC)’s recent Speaking from Experience report captures the powerful voices of over 300 victim-survivors, highlighting what needs to change to create truly safe and inclusive workplaces.

The AHRC’s Speaking from Experience report is the final Respect@Work recommendation to be implemented.

A key message from the report: Harassment isn't just about individual behaviour. It's about power, culture, and systems that fail to protect those most vulnerable.

Contributors to the report described the compounded harm caused when employers ignored their concerns, failed to act, or responded with lengthy, inaccessible policies. Many had more to lose than just a job — including their housing, visa status, and community connections.

The report outlines key factors needed to help overcome sexual harassment in the workplace:

• A people-first approach: Being believed, supported, and treated as a person, not a problem.

• Cultural safety and inclusion: Recognising intersectional experiences and creating tailored, trauma-informed responses.

• Clear, accessible reporting processes: Written and communicated in plain English, and available to all workers, not just those in leadership.

• Accountability: Investigations that lead to real consequences and cultural change.

Under the Respect@Work reforms, Australian businesses now have a positive duty to take reasonable steps to eliminate workplace sexual harassment and related unlawful conduct. For employers, this is more than just a legal duty, it’s about demonstrating leadership and care.

WorkPlacePLUS supports organisations to meet their employer obligations with confidence and integrity. Our independent workplace investigations, Respect & Responsibility training, Unconscious Bias in the Workplace training, psychological safety reviews and workplace cultural reviews are designed to uncover risks, respond fairly, and foster trust and respect in the workplace.

Learn how WorkPlacePLUS can help you create a productive ,safer, more respectful workplace. Contact us today for confidential support and advice.