The Western Australian Government has received broad industry support for it’s response to the Enough is Enough’ – Sexual harassment against women in the FIFO mining industry report.
The inquiry confirmed issues previously raised by the Australian Human Rights Commission’s Respect@Work Report, as well as subsequent federal and state inquiries.
In response, the State Government has confirmed it will adopt all 55 recommendations from the Respect@Work report.
Both the Minerals Council of Australia (MCA) and the Western Australian Chamber of Minerals and Energy (CME) have announced their support for such a decision.
CME Acting Director of Policy and Advocacy, Adrienne LaBombard, said the Chamber and its member companies looked forward to reviewing the Government’s response in more detail in weeks to come.
“We thank Minister Bill Johnston and Minister Simone McGurk as well as the Department of Communities and Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety for the work and level of detail they have put into this response,” Ms LaBombard said.
“We will review the response in more detail with our member companies over the coming weeks, however, as a whole, we welcome the clarity on the Government’s proposed approach which has been provided today.
“A clear pathway for addressing the recommendations of the Enough is Enough Report will enable us to build on and continue the work already underway across our sector.
“It’s also encouraging that the Government is taking a collaborative approach to addressing this important issue, aligning with work progressed through the Respect@Work Report where possible, and using existing statutory bodies to progress the development of supporting material for employers across Western Australia.
“A number of the Government’s responses are consistent with initiatives already being advanced by CME’s Safe and Respectful Behaviours Working Group [working group], including the need for reporting and support pathways, training, and data sharing and provision of industry feedback to support continuous improvement efforts through both the WHS Commission and incoming Mining and Petroleum Advisory Committee.“
MCA Chief Executive Officer, Tania Constable, said MCA would play its part in actioning new policies.
“The Australian minerals industry mobilised quickly in response to the Respect@Work Report, establishing an MCA-Director led Respect@Work Taskforce and continues to learn from and action a range of recommendations arising from all reports,” Ms Constable said.
“In addition to the industry commitment to eliminate sexual harassment, the National Industry Code on Eliminating Sexual Harassment and a comprehensive toolkit of resources to support the code, the MCA continues to develop tools, host webinars and bring together industry leaders to share what they have learnt, opportunities and challenges.
“The MCA is also working closely with the Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia on appropriate actions to prevent perpetrators seeking alternative employment arrangements within industry.”
