Sexual harassment remains a significant problem in Australian workplaces, despite laws being in place for more than 30 years and the progress made by the #MeToo movement. This session will discuss the legal and cultural aspects of sexual harassment with a view to creating positive, fair and inclusive workplaces. 

• When is  an employer vicariously liable for sexual harassment and assault – Kerkofs v Abdallah (Human Rights) [2019] 
• How to investigate sexual harassment and assault claims
• When should individuals continue working alongside their alleged perpetrators?
• Interpreting victim defense mechanisms investigations– humour, complacency or freezing 
• How should employers handle and follow up unsubstantiated sexual harassment claims?
• Moving away from a strict legal reading of sexual harassment and towards a broader conversation about sexually harassing and culture
• Championing a positive, safe, inclusive and respectful workplace culture