A new bill seeks to enhance workplace protections in Queensland. 

New laws have been introduced to Queensland Parliament, including new protections for Queensland workers from discrimination, vilification, sexual harassment, victimisation and other unlawful behaviours. 

Building on the historic Respect@Work Report, Queensland’s Respect at Work and Other Matters Bill is intended to protect all workers - especially women – from harm and harassment in the workplace.

National evidence shows female workers are more likely to be subjected to sexual harassment in the workplace.

Up to 89 per cent of women report experiencing sexual harassment at some point in their lifetime, while 77 per cent of all workers say they have been sexually harassed in their lifetime.

Queensland’s new bill includes:

  • new prohibitions of harassment on the basis of sex
  • a prohibition on subjecting another person to a work environment that is hostile on the ground of sex
  • a positive duty on all employers to take reasonable and proportionate measures to eliminate discrimination, sexual harassment and other conduct that is unlawful under the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991

Workers should also be protected from violent interactions with customers following planned amendments to the Penalties and Sentences Act.  

If passed, a person being sentenced for an assault committed against a person in the workplace will be subject to an aggravated sentencing factor.

The Bill also incorporates the first stage of reforms coming out of the Building Belonging Report and Inquiry into Serious Vilification and Hate Crimes Committee Report.

This includes updating and expanding the list of protected attributes for both criminal and civil vilification to include sex, age, and impairment in addition to the existing attributes of race, religion, sexuality (renamed sexual orientation), gender identity and sex characteristics.

“What is often overlooked is discriminatory behaviour in the workplace impacts productivity,” says Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence, Yvette D’Ath. 

“These laws don’t just protect workers, they also benefit workplaces, as employees will be able to feel safe, valued and supported, meaning they can work to their potential.

“Workers, for example those who work in the retail and fast food industries, will also be given extra protection from customers who physically assault them, due to amendments to the Penalties and Sentences Act.”