Historic win: harassment victim-survivors granted fairer access to justice The union movement welcomes the Senate’s passage of the Albanese Government’s Costs Protection Bill, which will make it easier for victim-survivors of workplace sexual harassment to pursue legal action against perpetrators. [...] The ACTU is part of a broad coalition of over 85 organisations, the Power to Prevent coalition, including National Legal Aid and the Kingsford Legal Centre, which have been advocating for the new costs model. [...] “It is heartening to see the Government listening to both victim-survivors and those organisations that work with the most disadvantaged to design a system that removes barriers to seeking redress from workplace discrimination and sexual harassment. [...] Quotes attributable to Kingsford Legal Centre Director Emma Golledge: “I think the whole nation was shocked by the Respect@Work Report and the high rates of sexual harassment in Australia. [...] “Community Legal Centres have long campaigned for this reform, and we hope this not only increases justice for people who are affected by sexual harassment but contributes to the prevention of it and creates safer workplaces for all.” ENDS Power to Prevent spokespeople available for media: National Legal Aid Executive Director Katherine McKernan – 0425 288 446 (Katherine.
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Table of Contents
- According to ACTU research only 1 in 230000 victim-survivors of workplace sexual harassment bring proceedings to an Australian court. 1
- The model already exists in international jurisdictions including federal civil rights and anti- discrimination laws in the United States. 1
- Quotes attributable to ACTU President Michele ONeil 1
- This Bill sends a clear message workplace harassment is unacceptable in our workplaces. This is a massive step forward in holding perpetrators accountable and making workplaces safer for everyone. 1
- Yet again we see the Dutton Opposition vote against better rights and protections for working Australians. 1
- Unions will continue campaigning to ensure every Australian has a safe respectful and just workplace. 1
- Quotes attributable to National Legal Aid Executive Director Katherine McKernan 2
- Australia still has unacceptably high rates of sexual harassment and it is important that people who are disadvantaged can access justice if they experience discrimination. 2
- This change is especially important for individuals in low-paid and precarious employment which often translates to lower awards of compensation that are quickly eroded by legal costs in litigation. 2
- Quotes attributable to Victoria Legal Aid Special Advisor Melanie Schleiger 2
- Many of our clients choose not to proceed with seeking legal justice because of their legitimate worries about financial risk to their future well-being and that of their families. 2
- Todays change removes a significant barrier and addresses the power imbalance between victim- survivors and their employers who often have legal teams and large budgets to defend claims. 2
- Quotes attributable to Kingsford Legal Centre Director Emma Golledge 2
- Enforcing your rights shouldnt bankrupt you and people who experience sexual harassment shouldnt be forced to end their claims because of this fear. 2
- ENDS 2
- Power to Prevent spokespeople available for media 2
- National Legal Aid Executive Director Katherine McKernan 0425 288 446 Katherine.McKernanlegalaid.nsw.gov.au 2
- Victorian Legal Aid Senior Comms Adviser Jennifer Arch 0418381327 mediavla.vic.gov.au 2
- Kingsford Legal Centre Director Emma Golledge 0478169950 e.golledgeunsw.edu.au 2
- Kingsford Legal Centre Deputy Director Dianne Anagnos 0439997772 d.anagnosunsw.edu.au 2
- ACTU President Michele ONeil via Cameron Warasta 0447 159 467 cwarastaactu.org.au 2
