The Australian Human Rights Commission is hosting consultations in Mparntwe/Alice Springs this week to "centre the voices of people with lived experience" in workplace sexual harassment reform.
The Speaking from Experience project is Recommendation 27 of the Respect@Work report and calls for people who have been sexually harassed at work to speak out on what they think needs to change. The voices from the project will "shape future best practices" for prevention and response to workplace sexual harassment in a way that has not been done before, the Commission said on Thursday.
The Commission aims to hear from all survivors, especially Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workers, culturally and racially marginalised workers, young workers, workers with disability and LBGQTI+ workers, across two days of in-person consultations held Thursday and Friday this week.
Sex Discrimination Commissioner Dr Anna Cody, who will lead the consults with support of community organisations in Mparntwe, said: "We must put a focus on First Nations communities when it comes to eliminating sexual harassment in Australian workplaces."
"Almost nine in ten Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have experienced sexual harassment in their lifetime – this is too many," she said.
"Everyone deserves to feel safe and respected at work.
"Survivors of sexual harassment have invaluable insights into the challenges and solutions needed to create safer workplaces and this is their chance to have their say."
Survivors can also contribute to the project through a web portal on the Commission's website. People who have been sexually harassed at work can submit written or audio submissions with their recommendations. Participation in the project is voluntary and open to all individuals in Australia.
