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Resolved complaint (213) about sexual harassment in employment

Learn how a complaint (213) about sexual harassment in employment was resolved through conciliation.

Sex and gender Conciliation register entry

Summary

  • Year: 2025
  • Relevant Act: Sex Discrimination Act
  • Grounds: sex-based harassment; Sexual harassment
  • Area(s): Employment
  • Settlement terms:
    • Apology - private
    • Compensation
  • Settlement amount: $40,000

About the complaint

The complainant alleged the respondent real estate agency did not respond appropriately to her complaint that a colleague sexually harassed her at a work function. The complainant alleged the same colleague sexually harassed her at a separate work event, including by making comments about her body and touching her without her consent. The complainant said her employer dismissed her colleague following a complaint about the later conduct. She further alleged that after this, other colleagues treated her less favourably in the workplace.

On being advised of the complaint, the real estate agency indicated a willingness to try to resolve the complaint by conciliation.

The complaint was resolved with an agreement that the complainant’s former employer write to her apologising for the events giving rise to the complaint and pay her $40,000.

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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Guide
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