WorkSafe Victoria has laid charges against both a Beechworth caravan park operator and its director following allegations of sexual harassment of a female worker.

The charges represent enforcement action under workplace health and safety legislation, demonstrating WorkSafe’s commitment to addressing psychosocial hazards in the workplace, including sexual harassment.

While specific details of the alleged harassment have not been disclosed, the charges highlight the growing recognition that sexual harassment constitutes a serious workplace health and safety issue that can cause significant psychological harm to workers.

The case comes as Victoria prepares to implement new regulations targeting psychosocial hazards, set to take effect on December 1, 2025. These regulations will treat psychological risks in workplaces with the same level of importance as physical hazards.

The tourism and hospitality sector has been identified as an industry where workers may face heightened risks of sexual harassment and other psychosocial hazards due to factors including customer interaction, isolated work environments, and power imbalances.

WorkSafe’s decision to pursue charges against both the business and its director personally reflects the serious nature of the allegations and sends a strong message about director accountability for workplace culture and safety.

The charges are part of WorkSafe Victoria’s broader strategy to address workplace harassment and create safer, more respectful work environments across all industries.

This enforcement action demonstrates that sexual harassment in the workplace is not just a human resources issue but a serious workplace health and safety matter that can result in legal consequences for both businesses and individuals in leadership positions.

The case will be closely watched by employers across Victoria as it may set important precedents for how sexual harassment cases are prosecuted under workplace safety legislation.