Resolved complaint (229) about sex discrimination in employment
Learn how a complaint (229) about sex discrimination in employment was resolved through conciliation.
Summary
- Year: 2025
- Relevant Act: Sex Discrimination Act
- Grounds: Sex; Victimisation
- Area(s): Employment
- Settlement terms:
- Compensation
- Settlement amount: $330,000
About the complaint
The complainant is a woman and was employed as a director of multiple teams with the respondent consulting firm. She alleged that the predominantly male Partner group excluded her from billable work, key work opportunities, and several projects. She also alleged that the firm paid her less than the minimum remuneration for a director and that when her salary increased, she was the lowest paid director in the team. The complainant said she made several complaints of discrimination and alleged the firm dealt with complaints by women in a dismissive and harmful manner and did not properly investigate or respond to her allegations. She claimed roles held by women were disproportionately targeted for redundancy, including hers.
The firm said that the complainant was relatively inexperienced compared to other Directors within her team and that her remuneration was commensurate with her skills and experience. The firm claimed that it allocated work in the context of ebbs and flows of client demand, as well as capabilities within the team. The firm said it identified positions for redundancy based on objective selection criteria including performance, talent ratings and skills. The firm said it was unaware of the complainant raising concerns about discrimination.
The complaint was resolved by conciliation with an agreement that the firm pay the complainant $330,000.
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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.
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Please note:
- all complaints are de-identified
- complaints are resolved on a 'without admission of liability' basis
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