‘Cannot be ignored’: One in three NT public servants have witnessed sexual harassment and bullying in the workplace, survey finds

Almost one in three public servants in the Northern Territory have witnessed sexual harassment or bullying in the workplace in the last 12 months, a shocking internal survey has revealed.

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ALMOST one in three public servants in the Northern Territory have witnessed sexual harassment or bullying in the workplace in the last 12 months, a shocking internal survey has revealed.

The results of a survey of about 10,000 employees – half the NT’s public service workforce – will add pressure to calls from unions for the Gunner government to do more to combat workplace harassment.

The NT People Matters Survey, conducted recently by the government, found 19 per cent of respondents had experienced sexual harassment or bullying in their current workplace, and 30 per cent had witnessed it.

Thirty-three per cent of people opted to report the matter formally or informally, while 20 per cent took no further action.

Community and Public Sector Union NT secretary Kay Densley said the disturbing results of the survey were “not surprising”.

Community and Public Sector Union NT secretary Kay Densley. Picture: Justin Kennedy

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“The alarming responses of bullying and harassment is a concern that needs to be addressed, but we also see that the avenues to do this are blocked,” she said.

“The Public Service Commissioner needs to step up to clear the path for genuine issues to be raised and actioned.

“It is obviously a health and safety issue that cannot be ignored.

“Our NT public service does an amazing job, especially in trying times, and it’s great they have spoken out in this survey about the disrespect they feel.”

In response to the report, Public Employment Minister Paul Kirby and the Commissioner for Public Employment, Vicki Telfer, have begun a review of the public service code of conduct.

It will include staff training and a review of bullying and sexual harassment reporting procedures.

“This government does not tolerate bullying and sexual harassment in any workplace,” a government spokeswoman said.

The office of the NT’s Public Service Commissioner was contacted for comment.

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Originally published as ‘Cannot be ignored’: One in three NT public servants have witnessed sexual harassment and bullying in the workplace, survey finds