Ms Deborah Itzkowic1, Ms Fleur Behrens1
1Ambulance Victoria, Australia
Biography:
Fleur Behrens is the Director of the Professional Standards Department at Ambulance Victoria. She brings extensive health sector experience in employee and employer advocacy, government and people leadership roles. She is committed to embedding principles of psychological safety and a person-centred approach to drive the prevention of workplace harm.
Abstract:
Leadership is the most powerful tool we have in preventing sexual harassment. At Ambulance Victoria (AV), we recognize that while robust reporting and response mechanisms are essential, true cultural change starts with leaders who set expectations, model respectful behaviour, and take proactive steps to eliminate harmful workplace conduct.
Sexual harassment remains significantly underreported, with AV’s internal data reflecting broader national trends. Relying solely on victim-survivors to report misconduct is not enough— we now have a legal ‘positive duty’ obligation to shift the burden of addressing workplace sexual harassment from individuals to the organisation. AV is embedding prevention at all levels of leadership, addressing systemic drivers such as workplace incivility and gender inequality.
AV is empowering leaders through targeted initiatives, including the Gender Equality Action Plan, Upstander training, and a new Sexual Harassment Policy that sets clear behavioural expectations. A critical element of our approach is visible and accountable leadership. In 2024, AV hosted a leadership discussion with Dr. Anna Cody, Australia’s Sex Discrimination Commissioner, reinforcing that leaders must be champions of respect, ensuring that every team member feels safe and valued.
This presentation will explore how leadership action—through role modelling, policy enforcement, and cultural change—creates safer, more respectful workplaces. By leading with respect, ambulance sector leaders can drive lasting change, enhance workforce wellbeing, and ultimately improve patient outcomes.
Join us to learn practical leadership strategies that can help eliminate sexual harassment in your workplace.