MINING WOMEN ENCOURAGED TO SPEAK UP

Melody Dia. Photo Magabala Books.

GEOFF VIVIAN

An author and former mine worker said she hoped the Parliamentary report “Enough is enough” would encourage women in the industry to speak up if they suffered sexual harrassment or assault.

The Report makes 79 findings of sexual harassment and assault reported by women in mining, and 24 recommendations to identify and address the issues.

Nyul Nyul woman Melody Dia said mine workers were not encouraged to complain about anything.

“I have got this saying in my book: ‘what happens on camp stays on camp’,” she said. “That is very distinct in the culture of mining and until women are allowed to speak up, and it certainly is a positive to have a report let alone recommendations, then more stories will come out. And even though my experience was positive I may have been working alongside women who have had that negative experience and were afraid to lose their jobs. Didn’t say anything.”