WA Government’s commitments are a positive step

The Western Australian Government’s considered response to the ‘Enough is Enough’ – Sexual harassment against women in the FIFO mining industry report is a positive step to help eliminate this abhorrent behaviour in the workplace.

The inquiry confirmed issues that have been previously raised in the Australian Human Rights Commission’s Respect@Work Report, as well as subsequent federal and state inquiries.

Sexual harassment is unacceptable in any setting and must be eliminated.

The scourge of sexual harassment in workplaces, and across society, is much better known thanks to these important bodies of work.

The MCA is using these reports to guide members’ efforts to eliminate this behavior.

The Australian minerals industry mobilised quickly in response to the Respect@Work Report, establishing an MCA-Director led Respect@Work Taskforce and continues to learn from and action a range of recommendations arising from all reports.

In addition to the industry commitment to eliminate sexual harassment, the National Industry Code on Eliminating Sexual Harassment and a comprehensive toolkit of resources to support the code, the MCA continues to develop tools, host webinars and bring together industry leaders to share what they have learnt, opportunities and challenges.

The MCA is also working closely with the Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia on appropriate actions to prevent perpetrators seeking alternative employment arrangements within industry.

The support for recommendations requiring government action are welcomed and the MCA urges the government to consult the minerals industry on the design and implementation of the range of supported actions.

It is important that all jurisdictions are consistent in the development and application of legislative and policy settings designed to prevent and respond to sexual harassment.

The MCA is pleased that the WA Government acknowledges and supports the adoption of all 55 Respect@Work recommendations and welcomes its commitment to working with all jurisdictions.

The mining industry workforce is extremely mobile, and many operators have assets in multiple jurisdictions, so regulatory and policy settings must be nationally uniform to ensure everyone has the same expectations as well as protections.