Tuesday, 13 August 2024

Ministers statements: gendered violence

Danny PEARSON (Essendon – Minister for Transport Infrastructure, Minister for the Suburban Rail Loop, Assistant Treasurer, Minister for WorkSafe and the TAC) (14:30): I rise to update the house on the Allan Labor government’s commitment to creating safer workplaces for women across Victoria and ending gendered violence at work. Every Victorian worker deserves to feel safe and respected in their workplace regardless of their gender, and that is why the Allan Labor government has established the WorkWell Respect Network, part of WorkSafe’s $6.6 million investment in preventing work-related gendered violence. Recently I was proud to join WorkSafe and Victoria University to launch the WorkWell Respect Network. This critical collaboration brings together industry leaders and workplaces to share insights and best practice approaches. An incredible collection of organisations have come together to work on the lived experience of women and non-binary people who work in high-risk industries.

While work-related gendered violence, including sexual harassment, comes in many forms, it is not always obvious, repeated or continuous, but it is insidious and it is never acceptable. Unfortunately, we know that the risk of experiencing harm from gendered violence also rises when a person faces multiple forms of discrimination, including their gender, sexuality, disability or ethnicity. On this side of the house we know there is no place for violence, aggression or sexual harassment at work. I am really proud that we are going to work with our partners to eradicate gender-based violence in the workplace for a safer and much more secure Victoria.