Labor candidate stands by comments on party's 'skeletons' and culture of silence

Good Food is launching its third annual Cultural Change Champion award, inviting nominations for initiatives and programs that promote positive, safe and empowering work cultures within Australia's hospitality industry. The award, presented by The Age and Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guides, aims to highlight efforts by individuals, organisations and not-for-profit groups operating in Victoria, New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory. Nominations are open until 5pm on Monday, August 31, 2026, with winners to be announced at the October Good Food Guide Awards. The award was established in 2024 following investigative reports by The Age and Sydney Morning Herald that uncovered unsafe working conditions in several prominent Australian hospitality businesses. These reports highlighted serious issues such as sexual assault, harassment, drug use and misogynistic attitudes, particularly affecting female employees. Subsequent investigations in 2025 revealed further concerns, including wage theft and the exploitation of vulnerable workers. These findings underscored the urgent need for cultural transformation within the sector. This year's award builds on past efforts to address these systemic challenges. In 2024, Jamie Bucirde, a former hospitality worker known for her Instagram account Not So Hospitable, became the first recipient of the Cultural Change Champion award. Her work exposed widespread misconduct in the industry and led to an academic report co-authored with the University of Melbourne, helping to drive broader awareness and action. Bucirde's initiative sparked national conversations about workplace safety and inspired others to speak out. In 2025, the Good Food Guide acknowledged the work of Women and Revolution (WAR), a hospitality-focused charity dedicated to dismantling gender barriers. WAR offers mentorship, coaching and skill-building programs aimed at empowering women in the industry. Its initiatives include workshops on public speaking, negotiation and leadership, designed to help participants navigate and challenge discriminatory practices. The organisation has played a key role in fostering resilience among frontline staff while promoting systemic change. Also recognized was the Sorry Not Sorry collective, which received dual recognition from both The Age and Sydney Morning Herald in 2025. Founded by Rachelle “Rocky” Hair and Jenna Hemsworth, alongside Alex Hooker, Brittany Rowe and Reuby Kahl, the group emerged from their own experiences of sexual harassment at Swillhouse, a restaurant chain central to earlier investigations. By sharing their stories publicly, they ignited a wave of support and solidarity across the industry. Their actions triggered a SafeWork NSW inquiry and contributed to mandatory sexual violence prevention training in pubs and clubs. The collective continues to push for legislative reforms, improved complaint mechanisms and stronger regulatory oversight. The Cultural Change Champion award is open to a wide range of applicants, including businesses, individuals and organisations, as long as their initiatives contribute to creating more inclusive and supportive workplaces. While the focus has often been on addressing gender-based issues, the award encourages submissions that tackle broader workplace challenges. Applicants must submit their applications by the deadline, with final selections determined by a panel comprising Good Food Guide editors and experts in workplace culture. The ongoing efforts of figures like Bucirde, WAR and the Sorry Not Sorry collective reflect a growing commitment to reshaping the hospitality industry. As the call for nominations opens, the spotlight remains on those driving meaningful change, ensuring that the sector becomes a safer and more equitable environment for all workers.