National Employment Relations Seminar | Preventing and responding to sexual harassment

Several high profile workplace sexual harassment scandals have plagued even the highest of political and judicial offices and have brought into sharp focus the way that allegations of sexual harassment are dealt with by employers.

A number of state and federal reviews including the Sex Discrimination Commissioner’s 2020 “Respect@Work” Report and Recommendations have culminated in the Sex Discrimination and Fair Work (Respect at Work) Amendments Bill 2021 introduced into Federal Parliament on 24 June 2021.

There is no better time for employers to critically assess their policies and procedures for dealing with sexual harassment claims and to consider what proactive steps can be taken to mitigate the risk of claims.

Please join Erin McCarthy, Partner and Emily Haar, Senior Associate for a webinar on this important topic including:

• Recap on current legislative and common law obligations relating to preventing and responding to sexual harassment in employment
• Key lessons from recent decisions
• The interaction of sexual harassment complaints with other obligations including work health and safety and whistleblower protections
• Key elements of the Sex Discrimination and Fair Work (Respect at Work) Amendments Bill 2021
• Investigating sexual harassment complaints: balancing an employer’s obligations to the alleged victim and the alleged perpetrator.