Peak mining body the Minerals Council of Australia has voiced disappointment at the results of a confidential survey of Queensland mining workers which revealed incidents of sexual harassment, assaults and bullying in the sector.

“Sexual harassment and all disrespectful behaviour is unacceptable. There is no place for this behaviour in workplaces and across society,” chief executive officer Tania Constable said.

“Reporting incidents is essential to holding individuals to account and making sure it is eliminated from the sector. We thank those that share their stories.”

Ms Constable said the Australian mining industry had made progress in establishing both preventative and response measures to address sexual harassment, underpinned by a culture of respect that empowered individuals to raise concerns in a supportive and protected way.

“We encourage mining workers to come forward and report these incidents to their respective companies so we can deal with it immediately and confidentially,” she said.

“The National Industry Code on eliminating sexual harassment requires companies protect individuals from victimisation or reprisals.”

Queensland Resources Council chief executive Ian Macfarlane said that body and its member companies had zero tolerance of sexual harassment and bullying in the workplace.  

“The behaviours outlined in the responses to the CFMEU survey reported in the media are extremely disturbing and totally unacceptable,” he said.

“The QRC urges the individuals and companies involved to ensure the appropriate action is taken, including through legal channels.

“Government, employers and employees and their representatives all need to fully understand the circumstances in which these situations occurred, so that as an industry and as businesses they can be addressed to prevent future recurrences and ensure workplaces are free from these unacceptable behaviours.”

Mr MacFarlane said the QRC would continue to advocate for action and improvement in this area, while acknowledging the vast majority of people working in the resources sector behave appropriately.

“The QRC calls on employers and employees working at all levels in our sector to work together and provide the leadership and role-modelling necessary to rid our workplaces of this illegal and totally unacceptable behaviour,” he said. “Every person deserves to work in a safe, respectful and professional environment.”