Aid agencies in Australia have welcomed a review into the way organisations in the sector identify, respond and prevent sexual misconduct.
The independent review was launched last week by umbrella organisation, the Australian Council for International Development, and will be carried out by staff from the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine. It comes after reports of sexual misconduct in the international aid and development sector were brought to light in the UK earlier this year.
Marc Purcell, chief executive of ACFID, said the sector in Australia wanted “to send a clear message that we are listening to the concerns that have been raised following the reports in the UK and will work to ensure that we are meeting world’s best practice in Australia when it comes to preventing and responding to sexual misconduct”.
Claire Rogers, chief executive of World Vision Australia, expressed confidence that the review’s recommendations would strengthen safeguards in the sector.
“We welcome any efforts to shine a light on an areas we need to improve our approach – both in WV and the sector – to protect against misconduct especially where it impacts on vulnerable children and communities in the field and a safe and equitable working environment,” she said.
Oxfam Australia also welcomed the review, with chief executive, Dr Helen Szoke, saying she had been “horrified” by incidents of sexual misconduct in the aid sector which had been brought to light.
“It’s critical that we do everything we can to ensure that those with whom we work are at all times kept safe from harm…” she said. “The aid sector, like the rest of our society, is not immune to the issue of sexual misconduct, but what’s critical is that we are doing all we can do to prevent it and ensure swift resolution when incidents occur,” she said.
The Australian Red Cross also welcomed the review with CEO Judy Slayter saying it represented a “great opportunity to strengthen organisational approaches and attitudes to prevent sexual misconduct”.
An interim report is expected in July with a final report in October.
