AREEA reveals workplace sexual harassment prevention initiative

The Australian Resources and Energy Employer Association (AREEA) has announced “That’s Why I Speak Up”, a campaign to address sexual harassment in the resources and energy workforce.

AREEA director of operations, Tara Diamond, said: “Today, AREEA is especially proud to deliver for the broad use of resources and energy employers this new national workplace sexual harassment campaign.

“For Australia’s resources and energy industry, 2022 has been a year of action on workplace sexual harassment … As the national employer association for the industry, AREEA has proudly and diligently led unique work in this space and provided coordination across industry, government and community,” said Ms Diamond.

“‘That’s Why I Speak Up’ contains several campaign narratives tackling the heart of cultural issues identified by the Western Australian Parliament’s recent inquiry into sexual harassment in the resources sector … This includes inappropriate behaviours and sexual comments, innuendo, harassment and assault, in any form,” she said.

AREEA developed this campaign with support and guidance from its sexual harassment taskforce. The initiative will outline behaviour expectations for employees and emphasise the importance of speaking up when witnessing or being affected by workplace sexual harassment.

Ms Diamond continued: “Importantly, the campaign’s core premise is to encourage and empower employees in the sector to stand up for the values and behaviours that they wish to see reflected in their place of work.”

She added: “It reinforces that all of us in the industry have an important role in ensuring the Australian resources and energy sector is a safe, respectful and inclusive industry in which to work.”

AREEA has made this announcement with the intention to coincide with UN Women’s 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, which kicked off 25 November. Since 1991, the UN’s campaign has been used to help prevent violence against girls and women.

If you would like to reach out for help, following reading this article, you may wish to contact Lifeline or 1800RESPECT.