Sexual harassment of women in Australian culture industries must be stopped, says arts minister

Tony Burke, who holds arts and workplace portfolios, says national cultural policy must include assurances of a safe workplace for women' after #MeToo allegations

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As the first minister to ever hold the joint portfolios of arts, and employment and workplace relations, Tony Burke is promising to use government policy to tackle sexual harassment allegations within Australia's cultural industries.

Speaking to Guardian Australia just prior to announcing the start of a seven-week national consultation period on Friday, Burke said he had closely followed mounting controversies over the treatment of women in the performing arts industries, while in opposition.

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