The Chamber of Minerals and Energy of WA and its member companies welcome today’s official response by the WA Government to the Parliamentary Inquiry Into Sexual Harassment Against Women In The FIFO Mining Industry.
Acting Director of Policy and Advocacy Adrienne LaBombard said CME and its member companies looked forward to reviewing the Government’s response in more detail in weeks to come.
“We thank Minister Bill Johnston and Minister Simone McGurk as well as the Department of Communities and Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety for the work and level of detail they have put into this response,” Ms LaBombard said.
“We will review the response in more detail with our member companies over the coming weeks, however, as a whole, we welcome the clarity on the Government’s proposed approach which has been provided today. A clear pathway for addressing the recommendations of the Enough is Enough Report will enable us to build on and continue the work already underway across our sector.
“It’s also encouraging that Government is taking a collaborative approach to addressing this important issue, aligning with work progressed through the Respect@Work Report where possible, and using existing statutory bodies to progress the development of supporting material for employers across Western Australia.
“A number of the Government’s responses are consistent with initiatives already being advanced by CME’s Safe and Respectful Behaviours Working Group [working group], including the need for reporting and support pathways, training, and data sharing and provision of industry feedback to support continuous improvement efforts through both the WHS Commission and incoming Mining and Petroleum Advisory Committee.“
Our industry has a strong track record of working constructively with the McGowan Government, Minister Johnston and the industry regulator to achieve important outcomes and I am sure that will continue.”
Ms LaBombard said CME and its members continued to progress initiatives in response to the findings and recommendations to industry outlined in the Parliamentary Inquiry report.
“This work is already well progressed, but we know we have a lot more to do,” Ms LaBombard said.
“Supported by our Advisory Board, our working group is made up of about 50 representatives from our diverse membership base and is committed to ensuring best practice is continuously being implemented at operations around WA.
“Initiatives progressed include the Industry Alcohol Guideline, which has now been expanded to a set of Industry Expectations for Work-Adjacent Settings that can be applied to off-site environments such as conferences or airports.
“We’ve also partnered with Lifeline WA on the Resourceful Mind peer-support program that includes sexual harassment and assault modules co-developed with the Sexual Assault Resource Centre and continue to drive policy initiatives that encourage gender diversity in the workplace.
“On the ground, there are member company sites where the amenities and configuration of their accommodation facilities have been adjusted with enhanced safety, wellbeing, and security in mind.
“Recruitment and pre-employment screening are other areas where CME and its member companies are undertaking significant work to enhance controls and ensure those working in the WA mining and resources sector understand its commitment to providing safe and inclusive workplaces for all employees.
“We look forward to providing an update on that work in the near future.”
Ms LaBombard said the WA mining and resources sector remained committed to a zero-tolerance approach to all instances of sexual harassment and sexual assault.
“We’ve said repeatedly that our aim is to eliminate all forms of unacceptable behaviour from our sector – and that goal remains,” Ms LaBombard said.
“It’s why CME and its member companies participated fully in the Parliamentary Inquiry and why we have committed to acting on all recommendations arising from it that are practical and which will deliver positive outcomes.”
