O’Neill condemns sexual harassment in workplace

PRIME Minister Peter O’Neill says sexual harassment in the workplace is a criminal offence which can lead to the immediate termination of employment.
O’Neill said regardless of whether it occurred in the public service or private sector, it was in breach of the Criminal Code, the Gender Equity and Social Inclusion Act, the Public Services Act and the Leadership Code.
“It does not matter who you are. If you engage in sexual harassment and predatory behaviour, you will be charged,” O’Neill said in a statement.
He said if it involved a public servant, criminal and leadership proceedings would be instituted apart from the public service disciplinary process.
“Further, sexual predators will be blacklisted and be never re-employed in the public service,” he said.
“Compensation, where this might occur, is irrelevant to the law and will not deter sacking and prosecution.
“Both our Christian and traditional heritage are based on family values. Mutual respect and equality are noble principles enshrined in our national goals and directive principles in the preamble to the Constitution.”
He said harassment could be in many forms.
“All people have equal rights to employment, and to be treated fairly as their counterparts,” he said.
“Government offices and agencies have received reports of sexual harassment, of both female and male workers, and these have been referred to police. In some instances the perpetrators are senior officers who prey on junior officers under their charge.”
O’Neill said there were also reports of junior officers offering sexual favours in return for promotion and other favours.
“This also constitutes harassment. And where discovered, the same penalties will apply,” he said.
“Police personnel who receive inducement to drop harassment cases are aiding and abetting in the commission of this heinous crime and will be treated similarly.
“Any attempt to stop officers from reporting, or any threats of retaliatory action taken after an officer has made a report, is tantamount to harassment perverting the cause of justice.”