Sexual Harassment Policy
A standalone Sexual Harassment policy reflecting the positive duty introduced by the Respect at Work reforms.
Following the Respect at Work reforms, every Australian employer has a positive duty under the Sex Discrimination Act 1984 to take reasonable and proportionate measures to eliminate sexual harassment, sex-based harassment, and victimisation as far as possible.
This free template is written for Australian employers as a standalone document, suitable for businesses that prefer to keep sexual harassment policy separate from their broader Bullying, Harassment & Discrimination policy.
What this template covers
- Statutory definitions of sexual harassment, sex-based harassment, hostile work environment, and victimisation.
- Worker, manager and officer responsibilities.
- Confidential reporting pathways including the Australian Human Rights Commission and Fair Work Commission stop sexual harassment jurisdiction.
- Investigation principles, support, and consequences.
- The seven Respect at Work positive-duty standards.
Why every Australian business needs one
The Australian Human Rights Commission can now investigate compliance with the positive duty and issue compliance notices. A standalone, well-drafted policy is one of the clearest pieces of evidence that your business is taking reasonable and proportionate measures.
Download the editable Word template, customise the contact officers and reporting channels, and roll it out alongside training that meets the Respect at Work guidance material.
Disclaimer. This template is general-purpose drafting for Australian employers and is not legal advice. Review and adapt the template for your industry, modern award coverage and workplace before issuing it. For complex, high-risk or contested matters seek advice from an employment lawyer or IR adviser.