Report shows 40 per cent of minerals industry workforce victims of sexual harassment

THE HEAD of the Minerals Council of Australia says the nation’s minerals industry will be taking action to eliminate workplace sexual harassment, following shocking revelations in a report

MINERALS Council of Australia chief executive Tania Constable says the Australian minerals industry will be taking action to eliminate workplace sexual harassment.

Ms Constable said this included expanding the scope of the minerals industry’s safety and health policy and releasing a strong and direct statement on the importance of eliminating sexual harassment in Australian mining workplaces.

MORE TOP NEWS

Well-known, long-time Darwin resort closes down

Migration into Darwin turns positive for the first time since 2015

SOLD: New residential sales record for popular suburb set after seven years

“Safety is the core value of the Australian minerals industry and a safe and fair workplace is essential,” she said.

Ms Constable said a recent report by the Australian Human Rights Commission, which found 40 per cent of the minerals industry workforce had experienced some form of sexual harassment in the past five years, needs a decisive response.

The report, Respect@Work: Sexual Harassment National Inquiry (2020), found women more than twice as likely as men to be sexually harassed.

Northern Territory Deputy Chief Minister and Mines Minister Nicole Manison with Minerals Council of Australia chief executive officer Tania Constable held talks in Darwin. Picture: Supplied

“The Safe, Healthy and Respectful Workplaces policy is focused on building and sustaining respectful workplaces, and combined with the industry’s commitment to eliminating sexual harassment – endorsed by the MCA board – will ensure Australian mining companies can work together to end unacceptable and illegal behaviour,” Ms Constable said.

“Our workers are our greatest asset and must be valued, respected and protected.

“Following the release of Commissioner Jenkins’ report, the MCA established a Respect@Work Taskforce to broaden its safety and health policy and develop a commitment to eliminating sexual harassment.

$1 FOR ALL YOUR NEWS? HERE’S HOW: Sign up now to our amazing deal of $1 for 28 days

“Sending a clear message across the industry and the community that sexual harassment is unacceptable and will not be tolerated will put the sector on the right path for change. The industry’s commitment will be implemented through an industry code and toolkit to establish clear expectations and protocols on preventing and responding to sexual harassment in our workplaces.”