Activity details
Amending the Fair Work Act 2009 to expressly prohibit sexual harassment in connection with work from 6 March 2023. Providing $15.1 million in funding to support the Fair Work Commission and Fair Work Ombudsman in their new roles implementing the prohibition and resolving of workplace sexual harassment disputes.
This activity is part of a broader activity to create safer, respectful, and more equitable workplaces across Australia by providing $42.5 million to fully implement all 55 recommendations of the Respect@Work report.
Implementation progress update
The Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Secure Jobs, Better Pay) Act 2022 was passed on 2 December 2022. The Act amended the Fair Work Act 2009 to expressly prohibit sexual harassment in connection with work. It also created a new dispute resolution process, allowing the Fair Work Commission to deal with disputes about workplace sexual harassment through conciliation or mediation. These changes started on 6 March 2023.
The Fair Work Commission and Fair Work Ombudsman have implemented this measure. The Fair Work Commission received additional Fair Work Commissioners and staff to deal with sexual harassment disputes made under the Fair Work Act. The Fair Work Commission also received funding to develop educational and training materials about workplace sexual harassment and the new prohibition, such as the Fair Work Commission’s Workplace Sexual Harassment online training module.
For more information see Sexual harassment | Fair Work Commission.
More information
- Learn about the National Plan to End Violence against women and children 2022-2032.
- Read the First Action Plan 2023-2027.
- Browse the First Action Plan 2023-2027 Activities Addendum update.