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Resolved complaint (198) about sex discrimination in employment

Learn how a complaint (198) about sex discrimination in employment was resolved through conciliation.

Sex and gender Conciliation register entry

Summary

  • Year: 2025
  • Relevant Act: Sex Discrimination Act
  • Grounds: Sex
  • Area(s): Employment
  • Settlement terms:
    • Compensation
  • Settlement amount: $2,160

About the complaint

The complainant said he was required to undertake a breathalyser test and urine drug test as part of a pre-employment medical assessment for the respondent company. The complainant said he expressed concerns about the fact that the urine test would be undertaken with the toilet door open and in the presence of a female nurse. He said his employer told him drivers working for the company would be required to regularly undergo such tests. The complainant objected to the test on the basis that he considered a woman would not be required to undertake a urine test in the presence of a male nurse. The complainant said the company then terminated his employment.

The company denied the allegations of unlawful discrimination but indicated a willingness to participate in conciliation.

The complaint was resolved by conciliation with an agreement that the company pay the complainant approximately $2,160.

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

Conciliation: How it works

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Guide
17 November 2025

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Disability discrimination complaints

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Guide
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Racial discrimination complaints

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Article
14 December 2012

Sex discrimination complaints

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Guide
17 November 2025

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