Politicians and authorities have called on the resources industry to address widespread sexual harassment issues. 

New announcements come in light of disconcerting revelations that a quarter of women working within the industry reported experiencing 'sexual hostility' at their workplaces.

The 'Driving Respect' conference, hosted in Perth, aims to foster a transformation in the mining sector's culture. 

Johnston said the government is committed to initiating cultural change and supporting the industry in its efforts to eradicate harassment, but required the sector's readiness to change.

The impetus for change gained momentum following the recent release of a report on sexual assault in the mining sector, which revealed that certain mining employers “generally accepted or overlooked” sexual harassment. 

In light of this, the government has indicated that it is considering enhanced regulation if improvements are not forthcoming.

Premier Roger Cook, addressing the conference, acknowledged the sector's steps toward responding to the inquiry report but noted the persistent prevalence of sexual assault and harassment. 

Findings from research commissioned by the government were also unveiled during the conference.

Professor Sharon Parker, an expert in the field, said that her research indicates 36 per cent of women reported facing ‘sexist hostility’, while about a quarter reported instances of conduct including exposure to explicit images and inappropriate questions about their personal lives. 

In response to the revelations, the government has launched two programs aimed at tackling harassment and promoting cultural change in the mining sector. 

The 'SPEAK UP, REPORT IT' campaign aims to empower victims to report harassment, while WorkSafe's 24/7 hotline has been upgraded to handle such reports more effectively. 

Additionally, the 'Respect in Mining' pilot program is set to commence in partnership with Gold Fields Australia, focusing on gender inequality's impact on women's safety and leadership within the industry.

The mining industry's response plan, introduced by the Chamber of Minerals and Energy WA, underlines the commitment to creating safer, more respectful workplaces. 

The industry's leaders, including Warren Pearce, the Head of the Association of Mining and Exploration Companies, stressed the need for collaboration to bring about meaningful change.