Resolved complaint (190) about sex discrimination in employment

About the complaint

The complainant was engaged by a labour hire agency to work at the respondent government agency. She said she was the only woman in the office and alleged vacancies were filled by men despite her suggesting the agency should employ more women. She alleged colleagues made jokes about women, were patronising towards her, took over her work tasks, spoke over her at meetings and put down her ideas. She alleged that when she raised concerns about this conduct she was told she had no future at the agency and should seek work elsewhere and her contract was terminated.

The agency denied discriminating against the complainant. It said vacancies were filled on a merit basis and that the alleged comments were either denied or taken out of context.

The complaint was resolved by conciliation with an agreement that the agency pay the complainant $25,000 and write to her expressing regret for her experience and any associated distress. The agency undertook to review its policies and procedures concerning complaints by contractors.

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