Resolved complaint (167) about sexual harassment in employment
Learn how a complaint (167) about sexual harassment in employment was resolved through conciliation.
Summary
- Year: 2025
- Relevant Act: Sex Discrimination Act
- Grounds: Sexual harassment
- Area(s): Employment
- Settlement terms:
Apology - public
Compensation
Policy - anti-discrimination/EEO policy reviewed/revised
Training - anti-discrimination/EEO training introduced
- Settlement amount: $8,000
About the complaint
The complainant alleged her supervisor at the respondent fire safety certification company sexually harassed her, including by making comments and propositions of a sexual nature in the workplace and sending her sexually explicit content on social media. She said she resigned from her employment because she did not feel safe.
The complainant's former supervisor said he and the complainant were friends and he thought the conduct was consensual.
The complaint was resolved with an agreement that the company pay the complainant $8,000, review relevant policies and procedures and deliver training to staff on bullying and harassment. The complainant's former supervisor agreed to write to her apologising for the events giving rise to the complaint.
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.
