NT Anti-Discrimination Commission informing travellers of their rights to avoid sexual harassment by dodgy employments

TRAVELLERS are being ­informed of their rights to avoid sexual harassment by dodgy employers and lodgers by the NT Anti-Discrimination Commission.

Man with a backpack walking on a country road

TRAVELLERS in the Northern Territory are being ­informed of their rights to avoid sexual harassment by dodgy employers and lodgers by the NT Anti-Discrimination Commission.

The campaign comes after a French backpacker plastered flyers all over Darwin warning other young women to avoid a man after claiming he had acted inappropriately towards multiple women.

Police investigated the matter and could not identify any offences after talking with the author of the flyer.

Anti-Discrimination Commissioner Sally Sievers said it was vital for travellers to know their rights for their own ­safety.

“We are genuinely concerned that during the dry season many backpackers travel to the Northern Territory and as young people on limited budgets and visas they may be vulnerable and find themselves in dangerous situations” Ms Sievers said.

“These travellers are often afraid to speak up and may not be aware that there are laws to protect them and that they do not need to be Australian to make a complaint.

“The message is simple; sexual harassment is unlawful in the Northern Territory.

“Language is no barrier ­either, the Anti-Discrimination Commission will provide an interpreter and if necessary translate a written complaint from another language into English.”

Under the Anti-Discrimination Act, sexual harassment need not only relate to workplace incidents but also covers accommodation including houses or flats, and the provision of goods, services and facilities.