The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and National Retail Association (NRA) have welcomed new research from the Shop Distributive and Allied Employees Association (SDA) and the Mikell Institute in its report, Preventing Young Workers from Experiencing Predatory Behaviour, which outlines measures to improve sexual safety for employees in retail settings.
ARA Chief Industry Affairs Officer Fleur Brown said team safety and wellbeing is a top priority for industry and that the ARA supports the direction of the measures recommended in the report.
"Sexual harassment in any form has no place in society or the retail industry. The ARA and its members stand firm in our commitment to tackling this issue head-on and ensuring a safe, respectful environment for every worker, regardless of age, gender, or background," she said.
"We commend the work undertaken by the SDA and their willingness to openly share the findings.
We have already had advanced discussions with our members around the report. A collaborative approach is essential, involving government, industry, unions, and other key stakeholders.
"In particular, the ARA supports the push for consistent laws across states and territories, as well as the need for clarity around reporting requirements and the recommendation to ban sex offenders from working with children.
"However, some of the details of the recommendations will also need to be closely examined to ensure they are practical and effective," she said.
NRA Interim CEO Lindsay Carroll says that the safety of young workers is paramount to the retail industry.
"As a sector that proudly employs many young people, we continue to do our utmost to protect staff by encouraging retailers to adhere to all relevant legislation and follow best practices," Ms Carroll says.
"Retailers alone cannot address the issue of sexual harassment.
"Government intervention is essential in this space to ensure that protections for workers are implemented in a way that is effective and sustainable for employers."
The ARA has been working closely with the ANROWS team on the 'Just Another Day in Retail' report released in June, helping to engage members and provide platforms for sharing this important research and recommendations.
"The ARA remains steadfast in its commitment to working alongside all partners to eradicate sexual harassment in the retail industry and welcomes further discussions that will lead to permanent change," Ms Brown said.
