Australia's sex discrimination commissioner says the time for patience is over when it comes to eliminating workplace harassment.
Kate Jenkins presented the latest results of the Australian Human Rights Commission national survey which found sexual harassment continues to be a common feature in workplaces across the nation.
Of 10,000 Australians surveyed, one in three had experienced workplace sexual harassment in the past five years.
It also found sexual harassment reporting remained low, with only 18 per cent of incidents reported.
Ms Jenkins said while the survey results were disappointing, she wasn't surprised.
The commissioner said she remains optimistic things were changing for the better, and that the momentum would continue.
She said the next survey would be conducted after new laws kick in requiring Australian workplaces to have an active role in protecting their employees from sexual harassment.
The laws passed by federal parliament this week were key recommendations from Ms Jenkins' landmark Respect at Work report released in 2020.
"We have to learn from this data because it not only shows there's more work to do, but it shows where the work needs to be done," she told the National Press Club on Wednesday.
"All the improvements recommended by the Respect at Work report are there to help and if we use them ... over the next five years respect will become business as usual."
For the first time, the commission's national survey asked workers how they felt their employers responded to sexual harassment.
Only one-third thought their employer was doing enough to address the problem.
Ms Jenkins said employers must pay attention to the data as it sent a message to many to lift their game.
"So much is out in the open now in so many of our workplaces. There can be no turning back," she said.
After seven years in the role, Ms Jenkins will step down as sex discrimination commissioner in April of next year.
She called on employers and staff across Australia to work together to eliminate workplace sexual harassment for future generations.
"The job is not done yet and I will continue to contribute wherever I can after I leave the commission," she said.
"I will still be pragmatic, I will always be persistent ... (but) the time for patience is over.
"I want to see people's lives improve. I want (people) to be given the respect and equality that they deserve. The time for change is now."
Parliament earlier marked the first anniversary of Ms Jenkins' Set the Standard report.
The report outraged the nation when it revealed bullying, sexual assault and sexual harassment was rife in parliamentary workplaces.
Senate president Sue Lines acknowledged the history of "unacceptable behaviour in Parliament House" and recommitted to changing the culture.
"We restate the commitment of the parliament for lasting change to ensure this does not continue," she said.
"We all have a role to play to set the standard for an inclusive, respectful and professional workplace here in Parliament House and across Australia."
Speaker Milton Dick said the bombshell revelations were unacceptable.
"We all have an ongoing responsibility to creating a workforce and a workplace that attracts and supports the best people our country has," he told parliament on Wednesday.
"We all have a responsibility to display exemplary individual leadership.
"We all have a role to play to set the standard for an inclusive, respectful and professional workplace here."
