Australia’s resources and energy employers are working vigorously to eliminate sexual harassment from the industry, the Australian Resources and Energy Employer Association (AREEA) has affirmed.
“We welcome the final report tabled by the Western Australian Parliament’s inquiry into sexual harassment within the mining and resources industry,” said Tara Diamond, Director Operations at AREEA.
“While extremely disappointed at the depth of the issues it has uncovered, AREEA thanks the members of the Community Development and Justice Standing Committee for their extensive work on this critically important issue.
“This report will add significant further value to the work being undertaken in the hope such an inquiry need not be repeated in the future.
“The industry is committed to eradicating such behaviour and rebuilding its reputation as one that has safe and respectful workplaces with zero tolerance for sexual harassment and all other forms of bullying and harassment.
“As the national representative group for employers in the mining, oil and gas, and service and contracting sectors, AREEA is working intensely in this space, including through its National Industry Taskforce on workplace sexual harassment established at the start of this year.
“This taskforce comprises representatives from a diverse range of employers, all collaborating on meaningful actions and initiatives to change the culture of the industry.
“AREEA, the representatives on our national taskforce and our membership more widely, will now digest fully the inquiry’s final report before engaging on its various recommendations to eradicate sexual harassment from our workplaces.”