Resources sector launches workplace sexual harassment campaign

Australia’s resources and energy industry has launched a new national campaign to help address workplace sexual harassment. ‘That’s why I speak up’ is a new behavioural awareness and change campaign offering a range of practical materials to be deployed within resources and energy sector workplaces.

Developed by the Australian Resources and Energy Employer Association (AREEA) under guidance of its National Industry Taskforce on Workplace Sexual Harassment, the campaign reinforces a clear expectation of behavioural standards and leverages the importance of ‘upstanders’ in the workplace as a powerful tool for cultural change. Tara Diamond, AREEA Director of Operations, said 2022 has been a year of action on workplace sexual harassment for Australia’s resources and energy industry.

“As the national employer association for the industry, AREEA has proudly and diligently led unique work in this space and provided coordination across industry, government and community. Today, AREEA is especially proud to deliver for the broad use of resources and energy employers this new National Workplace Sexual Harassment Campaign,” Diamond said.

‘That’s why I speak up’ contained several campaign narratives tackling the heart of cultural issues identified by the Western Australian Parliament’s inquiry into sexual harassment in the resources sector. This includes inappropriate behaviours and sexual comments, innuendo, harassment and assault, in any form.

“Importantly, the campaign’s core premise is to encourage and empower employees in the sector to stand up for the values and behaviours that they wish to see reflected in their place of work. It reinforces that all of us in the industry have an important role in ensuring the Australian resources and energy sector is a safe, respectful and inclusive industry in which to work,” Diamond said.

The campaign contains multiple sector options, diversity of subjects and a mix of creative themes, offering employers a mix of options to account for their unique workplace demographics and preferences for messaging.

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