The Visual Media Association (VMA) will host an exclusive webinar for the Women in Print community.

Charles Watson, GM – IR, Policy and Governance, will deliver a session exploring the new legislation and obligations in response to the Anti-Discrimination and Human Rights Legislation Amendment (Respect at Work) Act 2022 (Cth),which amended the Sex Discrimination Act 1984 (Cth) effective from 12 December 2023.

Respect@Work

The Respect@Work initiative is at the forefront of promoting a work environment free from discrimination and harassment, moving liability to a ‘positive duty’. The positive duty introduction to employers includes:

• workplace sexual harassment, sex discrimination and sex-based harassment;
• conduct that amounts to subjecting a person to a hostile workplace environment on the ground of sex; and,
• certain acts of victimisation.

Employers called to action

This important change requires employers to shift their focus to actively preventing workplace sex harassment and discrimination rather than responding to a report only after it occurs. The new positive duty imposes a legal obligation on employers to take proactive and meaningful action to prevent workplace sexual harassment, sex discrimination, sex-based harassment, and conduct that amounts to subjecting a person to a hostile workplace environment on the grounds of sex and victimisation from occurring in the workplace or in connection to work.

To support the industry’s preparedness and compliance with these legislative changes, the VMA has released a comprehensive webinar, templated policies and marketing collateral for its members to ensure they are aware of and implementing the policies. Furthering this awareness program, VMA has partnered with Women in Print and will provide a briefing via a webinar session for the WIP community.

The stats don’t lie

Kellie Northwood, CEO, Visual Media Association, said the national sexual harassment in the workplace survey reports women (41 per cent) were far more likely than men (26 per cent) to experience sexual harassment, and more than three-quarters of harassers were men (77 per cent).

“Women, therefore, are an important group across our industry to assist in raising awareness of the legislative reforms, and I thank Women in Print for inviting us to be part of the webinar.”

Webinar details

The event will be held on 10 April at 2pm AEST, and registration is complimentary. All of the industry are welcome to attend. The webinar focuses on providing a deeper understanding to empower women across the industry and play a role in actively contributing to creating a workplace culture that promotes diversity, equality, and respect.

The webinar is hosted by Women in Print with the support of our technology partner – Rocking Rose and presented by the VMA and Charles Watson.

“Women in Print is delighted to facilitate this crucial information session with Charles and our community. It is vital for employers to fully understand their new responsibilities,” said Stephanie Gaddin, chair of Women in Print Australia.

“We are grateful that our colleagues at the VMA can assist the visual media community in ensuring compliance and understanding of the Bill. Ensuring psychological and physical safety of all who work in our vibrant industry is a responsibility we all share.”

To register visit Women in Print Respect@Work Webinar.

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