Safety is the core value of the Australian minerals industry and a safe and fair workplace is essential.
The Australian minerals industry is taking action to eliminate workplace sexual harassment in its response to the Australian Human Rights Commission’s Respect@Work: Sexual Harassment National Inquiry (2020) findings.
MCA member companies recognise that sexual harassment occurs across society and our workplaces causing profound physical, emotional and psychological harm.
The minerals industry strongly values diversity and inclusion and will bring renewed focus and leadership to create an industry culture that respects all people, eliminates sexual harassment, and stands up, supports and cares for all those affected by unacceptable behaviour.
Through committed leadership, the industry developed a response that recognises and prevents sexual harassment, and empowers people to speak up and take action where behaviours do not meet expected standards.
The MCA has released:
A significantly updated the industry’s health and safety policy to specifically incorporate psychological harm and respectful behaviours. The new policy provides the platform for a range of initiatives focused on the whole person.
Released an explicit statement on the minerals industry’s commitment to eliminating sexual harassment which specifically acknowledges and commit to address the alarming, unacceptable and profoundly disappointing prevalence of sexual harassment in the minerals industry.
Published a national industry code on eliminating sexual harassment that provides clear expectations on members to establish both preventative and response measures to address sexual harassment, underpinned by a culture of respect that empowers individuals to raise concerns in a supportive and protected way.
To support the industry in achieving its commitment, a toolkit of fact sheets, guidance and templates to support members’ implementation of the industry code.