New Code of Practice: Tackling Sexual and Gender-Based Harassment at Work

A new national Code of Practice has come into effect that aims to make Australian workplaces safer and more respectful. The Work Health and Safety (Sexual and Gender-based Harassment) Code of Practice 2025 provides clear guidance for employers on how to prevent and respond to harassment in the workplace.

What’s the Code About?

The Code focuses on preventing harm from unwanted behaviours such as:

  • Sexual harassment

  • Gender-based discrimination

  • Hostile work environments

  • Gendered violence

It’s not just about ticking a compliance box—this Code calls on employers to take real, proactive steps to protect their people.

Why It Matters

Sexual and gender-based harassment can cause serious psychological and physical harm. It affects people from all backgrounds, but women, young people, LGBTQIA+ workers, people with disability, and culturally diverse workers are particularly vulnerable.

It’s a WHS issue, not just an HR one. That means employers (or ‘PCBUs’ under WHS law) are now legally required to assess and control the risks of these behaviours just like any other workplace hazard.

What Employers Need to Do

To meet your WHS obligations, you’ll need to:

  • Identify risks – Know when, where, and how harassment might occur

  • Assess the risks – Understand who could be harmed, and how

  • Control the risks – Put in place practical steps like better policies, workplace design, training, and supervision

  • Consult your team – Engage your workers, especially those more at risk

  • Respond appropriately – Have reporting systems that are supportive, confidential, and easy to use

This includes not just reacting to complaints, but actively working to prevent harmful behaviour in the first place.

More Than Compliance

This Code builds on the Respect@Work recommendations and the positive duty under the Sex Discrimination Act 1984. That means businesses must take reasonable and proportionate measures to eliminate harassment “as far as possible”—not just respond when something goes wrong.

Click here to view the full Code of Practice document.

Need Support?

The TCCI can help you understand your responsibilities, assess your risk, and put strong systems in place to support a safe workplace for everyone.

Let’s build workplaces where everyone feels safe, respected and able to do their best work.