Resolved complaint (196) about pregnancy discrimination in employment

About the complaint

The complainant alleged her employer, a government agency, discriminated against her on the ground of her pregnancy, including by declining a request to access annual leave before the commencement of her maternity leave, denying her access to the workplace while directing her to continue working and informing her while on maternity leave that someone had been permanently employed in her role and she would need to look for alternative roles within the agency.

The agency said the decision to deny the complainant’s application for annual leave was made with reference to relevant maternity leave legislation. The agency said that while the complainant’s role had been permanently filled, similar roles at the agency remained vacant and she would have a permanent role to return to.

The complaint was resolved by conciliation and the parties agreed to end the employment relationship. The agency agreed to pay the complainant $10,000, provide her with a reference, writing to her acknowledging the impact she experienced in relation to the events giving rise to the complaint, and crediting of annual leave.

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