SA Unions Applauds Move to End “Buying Silence” in Workplace Sexual Harassment
Media Release - 10/03/2026
SA Unions have hailed South Australian Labor’s commitment to protect victim-survivors of workplace sexual harassment from the misuse of Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) as a historic victory for worker safety and transparency.
The announcement to develop legislation to ban the misuse of NDAs follows a sustained campaign by union women to prevent employers from using legal gag orders to shield perpetrators of sexual harassment and hide toxic workplace cultures.
ENDING THE CYLCE OF HARM
NDAs have long been used as a blunt tool to silence victim-survivors. Making secrecy a mandatory condition of sexual harassment settlements, only protect perpetrators, and gives them free rein to keep harassing. This fuels a dangerous cycle where new workers are exposed to the same harm, while victims are legally forced into silence.
By committing to follow the legislative lead of Victoria, SA Labor is moving to ensure that perpetrators avoiding accountability will no-longer be the cost of victim-survivors receiving justice.
SA Unions looks forward to the consultation process to ensure the resulting legislation provides the strongest possible protections for South Australian workers.
Quotes attributable to Dale Beasley, SA Unions Secretary
“This is a massive win for every worker who has ever been told that their silence is a condition of receiving justice. For too long, NDAs have been used by employers to buy silence and protect their reputations at the expense of victims.”
“Silence is not a solution; it is a cover-up. These gag orders allow serial offenders to move from one workplace to another while their victims are legally barred from warning others. That cycle of harm must end.”
“An NDA should never be the price of justice. This is a win for union members who demanded an end to this culture of secrecy. This move will make South Australian workplaces safer for everyone.”