Prevention of sexual harassment in the workplace
The Commissioner for Public Employment released the Policy for the Prevention of Sexual Harassment in the Workplace PDF (444.9 KB) for the Northern Territory Public Sector (NTPS).
Delivering on a commitment
This policy delivers on a commitment the commissioner made to act following the 2021 People Matter Survey, when issues of bullying and harassment were raised as a concern for employees.
Sexual harassment is unlawful and will not be tolerated in the NTPS.
This whole-of-sector policy complements the NTG’s sexual violence prevention and response framework, released in 2020, which aims to:
- prevent and respond to sexual violence
- reduce its incidence and
- support those who experience it to be safe and heal.
Read the framework on the Territory Families, Housing and Communities website.
Aims of the policy
The policy aims to do the following.
- Create a working environment which is free from sexual harassment and where all members of staff are treated with dignity, courtesy and respect.
- Implement training and awareness-raising strategies to ensure that all employees know their rights and responsibilities.
- Provide an effective procedure for complaints based on the principles of natural justice.
- Treat all complaints in a sensitive, fair, timely and confidential manner.
- Guarantee protection from any victimisation or reprisals.
- Encourage the reporting of behaviour which breaches the sexual harassment policy.
- Promote appropriate standards of conduct at all times.
Who it applies to
The policy is a sector-wide plan that sets out the legal responsibilities and obligations for the NTPS and its employees.
It applies to all employees and customers of the NTPS.
Preventing sexual harassment in the workplace requires a united framework across all agencies and the combined efforts of government, non-government organisations and the general public.