Today we're a step closer towards ending workplace harassment

This morning the Victorian Government has announced the start of formal consultation for legislation to end the misuse of Non-Disclosure Agreements in cases of workplace sexual harassment. This will stop employers coercing women into silence and it's essential progress towards ending workplace harassment.

A non-disclosure agreement (NDA) is a legal contract that establishes confidentiality (keeping secret) a sexual harassment or other workplace issue. It requires the worker who suffered harassment to keep their experience completely confidential - that is, they are not allowed to talk about what happened to them.

Victims of workplace sexual harassment often feel they have no choice but to agree to confidentiality to resolve their complaint.

Wilhelmina Stracke, Assistant Secretary of Victorian Trades Hall Council, said union women would welcome the announcement. 

“This is real progress. Union women have been campaigning and lobbying for this for a long time, and we are proud that the Victorian Government has listened and Victoria will lead what we hope is nationwide change.”

“Thousands of us together have won this first step by writing to MPs, holding workplace actions, sharing the petition and meeting with decision-makers.”

“There is an opportunity now for more women to come forward and be part of writing this legislation. We need to stand together and centre victims’ voices so that the business lobby don’t write themselves loopholes in future legislation to restrict NDAs.”

Media contact Edwina Byrne