2024-04-24
The Guardian reports today that the Australian Border Force’s marine unit is rife with “inappropriate workplace behaviours including sexual harassment and bullying”.
A secret AHRC report revealed that in the marine unit every woman who responded to a survey had witnessed sex discrimination, as well as sexual and/or sex-based harassment, and 78% had personally experienced the same behaviour.
Lines attributable to Senator Larissa Waters, Greens Leader in the Senate and spokesperson on women
“The Respect at Work reforms were the centrepiece of the government’s response to workplace harassment, and no workplace, including the Australian Border Force can continue to operate without regard to the new legal framework.
“The remoteness of the marine unit has allowed an unacceptable culture to develop. The ABF must act immediately to comply with its positive duty and ensure base stations are not hostile work environments.
“The sex discrimination commissioner, Anna Cody is correct, immediate intervention is required. Border force leadership must be held accountable for addressing incidents of inappropriate workplace behaviours.”