Workplace harassment culture well overdue for change

You wouldn't think in 2025 we would still be facing the same issues our grandparents dealt with, yet here we are. A new study has shown one in three workers have faced harassment in the past five years, most suffering in silence with fewer than one in five ever lodging a formal complaint. This is not just a workplace issue, it’s a community issue that systemically affects marginalised people. The data shows that harassment disproportionately affects women, non-binary individuals, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and people with disabilities. These figures are more than statistics, they represent real people in our community who are being harmed, overlooked and unsupported. It’s long overdue for change. We must move beyond policies and compliance checklists. Real change begins with culture, one built on respect, empathy and accountability. The Centre Against Violence is leading the way with education programs that empower individuals to recognise and respond to harmful behaviours, offering practical tools to disrupt disrespect and support those who speak up. But this isn’t just the responsibility of employers or HR departments, we all have a role to play. Whether it’s calling out inappropriate behaviour, supporting a colleague or simply listening without judgment, we can all contribute to safer and more respectful workplaces. Wangaratta is a proud and resilient community, let’s show that pride by standing together against harassment. Let’s create environments where everyone feels safe, valued and heard. Because when we act together, we can change the culture, not just in our workplaces but across our entire region. It’s time to speak up, take a stand and act.

Workplace harassment culture well overdue for change

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