This morning the Victorian Acting Premier, James Merlino, has announced that a ministerial taskforce for sexual harassment in the workplace will be established in Victoria. Workplace Safety Minister Ingrid Stitt and the Minister for Women Gabrielle Williams addressed the media with the Acting Premier for the announcement.
The announcement was made on International Women’s Day following the backlash from the public with regards to the Federal Parliament rape allegations that have come to light.
The taskforce is aimed at ensuring that workplaces are safe environments for all those who are a part of the work force. The taskforce is intended to report back by the end of the year with their findings and recommendations.
One of the key aspects to be considered for the taskforce’s recommendations will be for a mandatory incident notification scheme. This will mean that any allegations of sexual harassment must be reported to WorkSafe.
The members of the taskforce will have representation for the marginalised individuals who are more susceptible to workplace sexual harassment.
Ms Stitt stated that the taskforce is intended to allow victims to come forward without concern about the fallback and that the current system is not working, we need to do more.
What are your thoughts, should the Commonwealth and other States and Territories follow Victoria’s lead?
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