Following ‘Four Corners’ doco, Support Act launches leadership training on sexual health and safety

While the music industry absorbs a major ABC study into bullying, discrimination, and misconduct at one of the country’s three major labels, Support Act steps up to develop a new level of training around sexual health and safety.

Later this month, the music industry charity launches its Leadership in Action sessions, a two-day course intended to guide those in leadership positions on solutions to create or maintain a healthy workplace culture, one that’s intolerant of sexual assault, harassment and bullying.

Through the workshops, participants will be expected to gain a better understanding of gendered violence and gender inequality; understand how power can be misused in the workplace; identify responses to trauma; discuss actions that prevent violence against women and more.

It’s further to Support Act’s online Ethical Bystander Training program, which teach the skills needed to call out and intervene when derogatory comments, harassment or violent conduct occurs in the workplace.

The Leadership in Action training sessions couldn’t have come at a more critical time.

Professionals across Australia’s music industry are still processing the ABC’s confronting ‘Four Corners’ Facing The Music investigation into Sony Music’s former chief Denis Handlin and the toxic culture at the major company he led for 37 years.

Since the special aired Monday night, many industry insiders have shared their own harrowing stories and insights online.

Unacceptable behaviour, some say, has been acceptable for way too long in the music industry, and the Corporation’s documentary is just the tip of the proverbial iceberg.

Support Act’s Leadership in Action training will take place Monday, Oct. 25 and Tuesday, Oct. 26, and it’s being run with Rape and Domestic Violence Services Australia.

To find out more and register, email loconnor@supportact.org.au.

This article originally appeared on The Industry Observer, which is now part of The Music Network.