On 20 March 2025, the Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) launched an urgent investigation into claims of sexual harassment within the building and construction sector. The investigation follows recent media reporting which exposed instances of violence, intimidation and coercive conduct against women in the industry. In announcing the development, Fair Work Ombudsman Anna Booth has emphasised that the investigation is a priority for the FWO. Reports can be made anonymously via the agency’s website.

The investigation follows recent measures adopted at a national level to address the issue of systematic sexual harassment in Australian workplaces, including the implementation of the Respect@Work reforms and the introduction of the Work Health and Safety (Sexual and Gender-based Harassment) Code of Practice 2025 on 5 March 2025.

These developments highlight the critical importance for employers, across all industries, to take proactive steps to audit their operations in order to ensure compliance with their legislative obligations, including the positive duty to eliminate sexual harassment in the workplace.

This article was written by Karli Evans, Partner, Talitha Maugueret, Senior Associate and Gabriella Katz, Law Graduate.