PSA response to report of Ministerial Inquiry into Human Rights Commission

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The PSA welcomes the report by Judge Coral Shaw into the Human Rights Commission (HRC)’s handling of sexual harassment claims.

The findings of the Ministerial Review have been released today and Justice Minister Andrew Little has indicated he will meet the State Services Commission to discuss next steps.

"Judge Coral Shaw’s report confirms what our members at the HRC have told us: that the workplace culture at the HRC needs to be addressed," PSA National Secretary Glenn Barclay says.

"All workplaces need to have up-to-date and effective processes for dealing with sexual harassment complaints, and provide proper support for staff who make those complaints.

"It’s clear from Judge Shaw’s report that those things did not happen in this case."

In her report, Judge Shaw recognised the need for the PSA to be involved in developing workplace policies and strengthening engagement between management and staff.

"We look forward to being part of the discussion around a culture change, particularly building stronger and healthier relationships between employers and employees," Mr Barclay says.

In 2015 the State Services Commissioner released the Prevention and Response to Sexual Harassment Policy Guideline and made it clear all state service agencies should comply.

"Judge Shaw’s report reminds us how important it is for state service agencies to have strong and constructive policies in place," Mr Barclay says.

"We would like to see all state service agencies proactively release details of what they have done to comply."
ENDS

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