From this Friday, 9 June, workplaces must notify the work health and safety regulator, WorkSafe ACT, of sexual assault incidents that occur at work.

This change strengthens the ACT Government’s commitment to eliminating sexual assault, sexual harassment, and gender-based violence in all workplaces.

“Commencement of the mandatory reporting requirement is another step forward in ensuring our city is one where everyone can feel safe in their workplaces,” Mick Gentleman, ACT Minister for Industrial Relations and Workplace Safety, said.

To protect the privacy of victims, employers when reporting must not give any information about the identity of a person involved.  

Reports made to WorkSafe ACT do not replace or interfere with reporting sexual assaults to the police and any police investigations.

Work Health and Safety Commissioner Jacqueline Agius welcomed the new requirement to report workplace sexual assault incidents to WorkSafe ACT.

“Reporting these serious incidents to WorkSafe ACT provides us with a clear understanding of the priority industries that we need to target with compliance activities,” Ms Agius said. “I won’t accept that workplace sexual assault cannot be prevented.”

The ACT Government will also introduce clearer guidance for businesses to understand their duties when managing psychosocial risks and hazards at the workplace. An ACT Code of Practice is expected to be in place in the Territory by the end of the year.  

Further information about when to report sexual assault incidents and a dedicated online reporting tool are available on the WorkSafe ACT website.

Sexual assault or violence support services can be accessed through Victim Support ACT by calling 1800 8222 72, Canberra Rape Crisis Centre on 02 6247 2525, and Lifeline on 13 11 14.