Queensland employers will soon be required to proactively address the risk of sexual harassment in the workplace. 

The state’s Work Health and Safety (Sexual Harassment) Amendment Regulation 2024 places a new onus on employers to manage and prevent workplace sexual harassment through written prevention plans.

From early 2025, these plans must be fully implemented. They should outline identified risks, control measures, and consultation processes. 

Additionally, they need to be accessible and easily understood by all workers. 

The plans must detail the complaint process, investigation procedures, and how parties will be informed of the results.

“It’s no longer enough for employers to just hope sexual harassment won’t happen in their workplace – they need a proactive written plan to prevent it,” said Minister for Industrial Relations, Grace Grace.

The amendments - taking force in September 2024 - also require employers to consider specific workplace characteristics that may increase the risk of sexual harassment, such as isolated locations or lack of diversity. 

To assist in meeting these new obligations, the Office of Industrial Relations is developing guidance materials for employers.

The state says these reforms come in response to recommendations from the 2020 Respect@Work Report. 

The government has engaged with various stakeholders, including the Commissioner for Equity and Diversity, the Queensland Human Rights Commission, and registered unions and employer organisations, to develop these regulations.

“The statistics show that nearly every woman has reported experiencing sexual harassment in the workplace at some point in their lifetime,” says Minister for Women, Shannon Fentiman.

“This simply isn’t good enough and I am proud to be part of a government which is taking action.”

Also in Queensland, new laws seek to strengthen worker protection and representation by encouraging the uptake of health and safety representatives (HSRs) in the workplace.