Mandatory reporting of workplace sexual harassment to be explored in Victoria

The state government announced on Monday that a ministerial taskforce is being established to look at changes to the workplace safety framework.

The parliamentary secretary for workplace safety, Bronwyn Halfpenny will co-chair the taskforce with the well-known lawyer Liberty Sanger.

"These reforms will help clarify what constitutes workplace sexual harassment and stamp this behaviour out for good, so that every Victorian can feel safe at work," Ms Halfpenny said.

Mandatory reporting would mean employers would be required to notify Worksafe Victoria of cases of workplace sexual harassment.

The taskforce will report back to the state government by the end of this year.

"A workplace that is not free from sexual harassment is an unsafe workplace," acting premier James Merlino said. "Inappropriate and dangerous behaviour must be called out and acted on - and that starts with changing workplace culture."

The government said statistics showed one in three workers had suffered sexual harassment over the past five years.

"That is an unacceptable statistic and one we need to address," workplace safety minister Ingrid Stitt told reporters.

The announcement coincided with International Women's Day.

"International Women's Day is an opportunity for us to both celebrate the achievements of women over time, but also to reflect on how much work there is still to do," minister for women Gabrielle Williams said.