RACS has written to the Australian Government and to the Australian Human Rights Commission in recognition of legislation that recently passed the Australian parliament. The legislation adopts the recommendations outlined in the Respect@Work report.
Our letters reaffirm the College’s support for the suite of measures, and also express RACS’ appreciation at the passing of the legislation on behalf of surgical Trainees, and all Fellows and Specialist International Graduates working in healthcare.
Building respect in surgery has been a firm focus of the College for many years, and in 2020 RACS contributed to the Australian Human Rights Commission’s Respect@Work inquiry.
Prior to the Australian federal election in May 2022, RACS again called upon all parties contesting the election to commit to passing the legislation in full if elected. In particularly, RACS expressed strong support for the requirement to place a positive duty on employers to prevent sexual harassment at work.
RACS congratulates all those involved in the legislative process. We look forward to continuing to work with state and territory governments, as well as other health workforce stakeholders, on the development of policies, programs and processes to deal with discrimination, bullying and sexual harassment in surgery and the wider health sector.