A national inquiry into sexual harassment in Australian workplaces gives Australia the chance to “lead the world” in preventing it in future, says Tracey Spicer.

In a world first, the Australian Human Rights Commission will carry out a 12-month investigation, to be conducted by sex discrimination commissioner Kate Jenkins.

The public will be consulted in major cities and regional centres, with anybody able to lodge a submission.

Spicer told Tom Elliott it wasn’t a “witch hunt” and would examine structures in the workplace.

“A lot of people disparage this movement and say can’t I just compliment somebody on what they’re wearing – it’s got nothing to do with that,” she said.

“The 2000 stories I’ve received are really serial predation.

“People realising that somebody is vulnerable – a cadet, intern, young person – and taking advantage of them, physically, because they know they have power over them.”

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