Sexual Harassment (Employer)
Sexual Harassment in the workplace
New reforms in Queensland now require employers to implement protective measures to prevent workplace discrimination and harassment. The changes commenced on 1 March 2025 with amendments to the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (WHS Regulation) imposing a positive obligation on employers to ensure a safe and complaint work environment.
Specifically, all businesses with employees in Queensland must prepare and implement a Workplace Harassment Prevention Plan to manage identified risks to the health and safety of workers.
What is a Workplace Harassment Prevention Plan?
A prevention plan is a written document outlining how an employer will identify, assess, control, and monitor risks related to sexual harassment and sex or gender-based harassment. It must also outline the process for reporting sexual harassment and sex or gender-based harassment at work, including how a complaint of such behaviour will be investigated.
The plan must also go through a consultation process in accordance with the WHS Act and be set out in a way that is readily accessible and understandable to workers.
Compliance
A failure to prepare, implement and review a Workplace Harassment Prevention Plan will expose an employer to civil penalties, regardless of whether any sexual harassment and sex or gender-based harassment occurs.
The requirement for a formal Workplace Harassment Prevention Plan reinforces the need for employers to take steps to actively prevent harassment, not just respond to it. A well-implemented prevention plan can:
Ensure compliance with the WHS Regulations, including the obligation to consult with workers regarding the implementation of the plan;
Reduce legal risks associated with non-compliance of the WHS Regulations; and,
Create a safer and more inclusive workplace.
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Nurture In Harmony
I highly recommend Sibley Lawyers for anyone dealing with workplace issues, including personal injuries. After my union lawyers refused to support me in a workplace dispute, Justin Sibley and Jack McDonald stepped in and made all the difference. They were incredibly knowledgeable, responsive, and truly committed to my case. Despite the lack of support from my union, to which I had paid fees for 13 years, Justin and Jack worked tirelessly to ensure I was treated fairly and helped me achieve a positive outcome. Their expertise in employment law and genuine dedication gave me the confidence to move forward. If you’re looking for lawyers who will fight for you when others won’t, Sibley Lawyers is the firm to trust!
Lyniece Rostant
Dena Miller
I couldn’t be happier with Sibley Lawyers if I tried. The team is fantastic and passionate about what they do. A particular shout out to their Senior Paralegal, Kate Rasmussen! She has worked tirelessly on several matters for me and achieved positive outcomes. She is always professional, friendly, dedicated and passionate when it comes to her clients. Your determination to obtain justice for me is greatly appreciated Kate 🙏
Madonna Arca
On behalf of my brother Peter:
I was represented by Sibley Lawyers in a Personnel Injury Claim and Jack McDonald worked extremely hard and was very devoted in achieving a great result. He has been extremely professional and very thorough with his ongoing research into my claim. I would high recommend Sibley Lawyers and in particular Jack McDonald.
Hayley Reid
I have needed the services of Sibley Lawyers for a couple of years now. They are extremely thorough, knowledgeable and above all approachable and trustworthy. They have been dealing with my protracted issue that has been handled very professionally and successfully at every turn. When this is all concluded I hope to never need their services again but if I, or anyone I know does, Sibley will be the first call. Thanks team.
Amy Reeve
I have been a Sibley Client since 2021. Justin and his team are very knowledgeable in their legal profession and have provided me the advice and support needed. I had some oustanding pay queires that needed to be resovled with my employer, the Sibley team acted on this very swiftly resulting in a postive outcome for me. I highly reccommend their service.
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Cass Jefferson
Justin Sibley and his team are the consummate professionals in law.
I have used his services as a retained client as a Qld Government employee, as well as being a personal client. Justin always impresses me. When push comes to shove, you need someone like Justin in your corner. Not only does he understand the law and all of its complex mechanics, but he has the ability to win with his attention to detail, unwaivering knowledge and courtroom charisma. As mentioned I Highly Recommend Sibley Lawyers to anyone needing legal representation, they’re a tremendous firm.
Luke Doherty
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He’s professional, personable and very thorough. Always put my worries and mind at ease with his professional advice and very contactable, not fobbed off to a secretary.
The outcome of what I wanted, happened and I was also upfront and honest from the start with no judgement whatsoever from Nick.
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