Victoria’s creative industries take stand on harassment

Creative Victoria has issued this media release:

Sexual harassment and bullying have no place in our creative state and we all have a role to play in ensuring a healthy, respectful and safe environment for all.

Over the last number of months, a range of allegations have emerged, locally and internationally, in relation to sexual harassment, misconduct and bullying in the arts, screen and entertainment industries, as well as other sectors.

The extent of these issues sadly continues to unfold.

Victoria prides itself on being the creative state, and our creative organisations make an important contribution to our reputation and culture.

It is critical that Victoria’s creative organisations take every reasonable step to engender a safe and respectful workplace.

It is time for our creative organisations to review their current policies and procedures in relation to sexual harassment, misconduct and bullying, to ensure they are clear, appropriate, in line with contemporary standards and expectations, and are well promoted within each organisation.

Creative Victoria is working with sector partners to promote and advance cultural change. A working group has been convened to focus on these issues and advise on any necessary policy changes and support mechanisms.

The members are:

Nicole Beyer, executive director, Theatre Network Australia

Dave Giles-Kaye, chief executive officer, Australian Fashion Council

Caroline Pitcher, chief executive officer, Film Victoria

Anthony Reed, chief executive officer, Games Developers’ Association of Australia

Claire Spencer, chief executive officer, Arts Centre Melbourne

Kate Torney, chief executive officer and state librarian, State Library of Victoria

Catryn Tuckwell, general Ccunsel, Arts Centre Melbourne

In the meantime, we have collated a list of resources you may find useful in reviewing your workplace policies, procedures and practices.

Please visit our Respectful Workplaces page and review the resources, to ensure your organisation is a safe and happy environment for all.

More information available here.