With recent legislative changes introducing a positive duty to prevent harm, Hinchinbrook Shire Council sought expert support to develop a structured, compliant, and practical Sexual Harassment Prevention Plan tailored to its workforce. The organisation also recognised the importance of building leadership capability and ensuring employees were engaged throughout the process.
Sexual Harassment Prevention Planning in Local Government: Hinchinbrook Shire Council
Sexual Harassment Prevention Planning in Local Government: Hinchinbrook Shire Council
200 Emloyees
INGHAM, QLD
Solution
Hinchinbrook Shire Council engaged Harrisons to develop and implement a comprehensive Sexual Harassment Prevention Plan aligned with Queensland WHS legislation and the Respect@Work framework.
Harrisons delivered an end-to-end, evidence-based approach that included a workplace risk assessment, a sexual harassment workplace audit, and confidential employee consultation through an online survey distributed across the workforce. This was complemented by a facilitated focus group to explore key risks, experiences, and prevention strategies in more depth.
Harrisons also reviewed existing policies to ensure legislative alignment, developed a tailored Sexual Harassment Prevention Plan with practical recommendations and an implementation roadmap, and provided clear communication materials to support leadership messaging and organisational rollout.
Executive and leadership capability was further supported through a targeted education workshop on legal obligations and leadership accountability.
Testimonial
“Hinchinbrook Shire Council engaged Harrisons to assist with developing our Sexual Harassment Prevention Plan and supporting consultation activities. Harrisons provided a clear process and delivered the key elements we needed, including employee feedback insights and a tailored plan to guide our next steps. Their support helped us strengthen our compliance and continue our commitment to a safe and respectful workplace”.
Jodi Spencer – Executive Manager – People, Culture & Safety
OUTCOME
The engagement enabled Hinchinbrook Shire Council to meet its legislative obligations with confidence and establish a clear, structured approach to preventing sexual harassment in the workplace. The Council now has a practical and compliant Sexual Harassment Prevention Plan informed by employee consultation, supported by clear leadership accountability and communication.
The work strengthened organisational capability, improved awareness and understanding across the workforce, and reinforced the Council’s commitment to maintaining a safe, respectful, and inclusive workplace.
