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Resolved complaint (133) about victimisation in employment

Learn how a complaint (133) about victimisation in employment was resolved through conciliation.

Sex and gender Conciliation register entry

Summary

  • Year: 2024
  • Relevant Act: Sex Discrimination Act
  • Grounds: sex-based harassment; Sexual harassment; Victimisation
  • Area(s): Employment
  • Settlement terms:
    • Compensation
  • Settlement amount: $25,000

About the complaint

The complainant alleged a colleague at the café where she worked sexually harassed her, including by asking her about her sex life, making comments of sexual nature about female customers, touching her breasts and lower back while passing by and exhibiting his arm and abdominal muscles. She claimed she complained about the alleged conduct and helped a colleague complaint about similar conduct. The complainant alleged that following her complaints, her hours were reduced and she was eventually sent an exit survey, despite remaining an employee. 

The café denied the allegations of sexual harassment but agreed to participate in conciliation to try to resolve the complaint.

The complaint was resolved by conciliation with an agreement that the café pay the complainant $25,000.

Guidance on the use of these summaries

This is a summary of a selected complaint that has been resolved through our conciliation process. It's designed to help people better understand how complaints might be resolved and what outcomes are possible.

These summaries are for general guidance only and are not legal advice. If you need advice about your situation, you should seek independent legal support.

Please note:

  • all complaints are de-identified
  • complaints are resolved on a 'without admission of liability' basis
  • some content may include confronting or offensive language.

Guides

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