Dear Members,
Like all of you, the NTIA Board and staff have been appalled and upset by the reports in the Sydney Morning Herald.
Abuse, assault, harassment and mistreatment are abhorrent acts that simply should not exist anywhere, least of all in workplaces. As an industry we must do far more to protect our workers.
The bravery of the women who shared their stories is remarkable. Their selflessness to speak out to protect others shows incredible strength. On behalf of the NTIA, thank you for your courage. Thanks to you, this sector has an opportunity to improve.
However, for the sector to improve, we must professionalise. The systems and processes in place to protect staff must be fit for purpose. Staff must have confidence that they are protected and that their wellbeing is a priority, not an afterthought. This must be the fundamental priority for any business.
Secondly, the culture must be reset. Culture reflects what is accepted and the norms we tell ourselves are right. For this to change it requires leadership and a ‘new normal’ for what a career in hospitality entails. An industry or workplace culture of misogyny and boys clubs has no place in a professional industry – especially one that exists to welcome and accommodate people from all walks of life.
As an industry association, our purpose is to shape the night time economy that we want. One that is diverse, growing, safe and accessible and reflects who we are. As the industry undergoes this necessary maturation and professionalisation we will stand to support our members.
Following the reports the NTIA engaged with SafeWork NSW to understand the resources available to support businesses of all shapes and sizes to improve their processes. These resources have been recapped below.
I encourage members to contact the NTIA to discuss their needs or concerns.
If the reports or content of this message have evoked any challenges for you, you can contact 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) or Lifeline (13 11 14).
Regards,
Mick Gibb
CEO
Night Time Industries Association
SAFEWORK NSW – RESPECT AT WORK
Resources for Businesses
SafeWork NSW has a wide array of resources to support businesses to understand their obligations and to implement systems and processes.
This includes a list of six principles of a safe and respectful workplace that all businesses should exhibit.
- Exceptional Leadership. Leaders who embody respectful behaviours, and actively champion a culture that embraces gender equality, inclusion and diversity.
- Comprehensive Risk Management. Implementing the recommended four-step risk management process is crucial (see page 12). This involves the identification, assessment, and control of any potential risks related to workplace sexual harassment, followed by periodic reviews to ensure effectiveness.
- Trust and Accountability. Trust and accountability at every level of the organisation including empowering workers to speak up about harmful behaviours and taking early action in response to reports.
- Proactive Engagement. Proactive and regular engagement with workers is key. Open channels of communication promote trust and facilitate the exchange of ideas and concerns.
- Effective Work Design and Systems. Addressing workplace hazards and risks can be more effectively and efficiently achieved through improved design of the work, workplace, and systems of work. Applying ‘systems thinking’ can help duty holders to better identify which work design control options are important to workers’ health and safety.
- Supportive Return and Recovery. Offering a safe and supportive return-to work process after injuries occur, aiding in their recovery and reintegration into the workforce.
SafeWork NSW has developed a suite of resources for businesses to use to educate themselves on their obligations as well as support the implementation of new systems and processes.
- On demand webinars: These three webinars last approximately 15 minutes each and cover what is sexual harassment, steps to prevent it in the workplace and the steps to take to report it. These webinars are a useful educational tool not only for owners and operators but also management teams.
- Advisory visits from SafeWork NSW: If you are a small business with fewer than 50 full time equivalent employees you can request a visit by SafeWork NSW. This visit can help identify areas of improvement or areas of non-compliance. While it isn’t a certification, it can provide a starting point to build upon.
- Code of practice: For business owners and leaders, this resource provides a clear explanation of Workplace Health and Safety Obligations. It also delivers a simple framework for risk management that can be adopted to address workplace sexual harassment matters.
- Resource hub: There is an entire resource hub available online with factsheets, guides and more to support businesses.
Resources for Employees
Resources and materials have been created to support businesses in their communication with employees.
- 24/7 Support Services: This PDF details the various services that an employee can use if they are in need of support.
- Reporting mechanisms: There are a myriad of reporting options for employees and employers alike. This PDF explains the roles and responsibilities of each agency and how the matter will progress.
