Perth Community Radio Station Commits To Changes In Wake Of Sexual Misconduct Allegations

Content warning: This news article contains discussion of sexual assault.

Perth community radio station RTRFM have today issued a statement sharing that they are "committed to creating safer spaces in and for our community". 

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The statement comes in light of allegations surrounding former Life Is Noise promoter Dave Cutbush, who has admitted to "inappropriate and sleazy" behaviour during his time working within the music industry. 

Cutbush was involved with the station until 2015 and they have advised that the "board is currently reviewing the available information concerning David Cutbush's direct engagement with the station which ended in 2015."

Read the full statement below.

RTRFM - OUR ROLE IN BUILDING SAFER MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT SECTORS

"RTRFM stands against sexual harassment, violence and discrimination and fully supports those who who have experienced sexual harassment, violence and discrimination.

We are committed to creating safer spaces in and for our community. 

RTRFM unequivocally does not and will not tolerate sexual harassment, violence or discrimination and we express our deepsympathy for those affected by such conduct. We note the statement made by David Cutbush regarding allegations made against him and regret that such conduct occurred.
 
The board is currently reviewing the available information concerning David Cutbush's direct engagement with the station which ended in 2015. 

As always we are committed to learning and improving how our organisation can be part of a future where our entire community can be safer and be heard.

Our board and employees have already begun reviewing processes, daily practices and formal policies to clearly set out what constitutes inappropriate and intolerable behaviour at our workplace and
events we organise and how this behaviour is to be dealt with.
 
We are working with the community to develop our safe spaces initiative, led by two of our directors Ai-Ling Truong and Adele Tan and supported by all board members and RTRFM staff.

In the near future we will make an avenue available by which any concerns or complaints about past or current behavior can be raised in a way that ensures such complaints are acknowledged and treated seriously and respectfully.

We are also respectful of the autonomy of people involved in incidents of sexual harassment, violence and discrimination and are ensuring any measures we take will protect the confidentiality of those who come forward now and in the future.

There are a complex array of factors which contribute to the opportunities for violence and misconduct. The factors affecting reporting - decisions to report, who reports are made to, and how reports are responded to - are similarly complex. We ask that our community is respectful that these incidents are potentially sensitive and painful for those involved and we arefacilitating the review with respect.

We recognise that we need to review our processes, procedures and policies continuously to ensure they remain current with best practice and appropriate for our staff and supporters.

We are dedicated to the hard work we must undertake and have commenced to fulfil our commitment to our communities."

If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au.

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