NOW Australia launches to combat sexual harassment in workplace, soundtracked by Melinda Schneider anthem

NOW Australia has launched as the country’s first national support service for people experiencing workplace sexual harassment and assault.

Set up by journalist Tracey Spicer AM, it’s wider than the entertainment sector.

Sydney country singer-songwriter Melinda Schneider is an ambassador, as is Abby Earl, Helen Dallimore, Mahalia Barnes, Zindzi Okenyo, Danielle Cormack, Prinnie Stevens and Leah Flanagan.

Also involved in the campaign are Tina Arena, Sarah Blasko, Missy Higgins and Jenny Morris.

Schneider has written and recorded a new song, 'My Voice', to serve as an anthem for the cause.

Schneider posted, “Together, we can create Australia's first national support service for people experiencing workplace sexual harassment.

“Because work should be a safe place for everyone.

“Because we can end the silence and the shame.

“Because in Australia, their time is up.”

Schneider, like many women in the music industry, has seen or experienced sexual harassment and assault, not only to herself but to others.

She told the Sunday Telegraph of an incident 18 months ago when she was in Nashville during a songwriting session.

The major hit writer she was working with pushed her against a wall with his body and recounted in lurid detail what he was going to do.

Schneider, who is aged in her late 40s and began professionally as an entertainer in her early teens, was no novice (unlike many victims) and was able to stand her ground.

She told the predator, "Sit back down! You are not moving off that seat until we finish this song and if you say anything like that to me again I’m going out and telling everyone what you just did to me.”

A crowd funding campaign sets to raise $250,000.

NOW will connect survivors of workplace sexual harassment and indecent assault with the right counselling and legal support.

It will also fund research and education programs, working with government, business, statutory authorities, unions, and the community, legal and health sectors to develop solutions for the future.

The idea of NOW began last year after Spicer put out a call on Twitter asking Australians working in the media to share their #metoo stories.

She expected about 30 responses. She got 1500.