Resolved complaint (230) about victimisation in employment
Learn how a complaint (230) about victimisation in employment was resolved through conciliation.
Summary
- Year: 2025
- Relevant Act: Sex Discrimination Act
- Grounds: Aids, permits or instructs; sex-based harassment; Sexual harassment; Victimisation
- Area(s): Employment
- Settlement terms:
- Compensation
- Settlement amount: $98,300
About the complaint
The complainant was a house manager in supported accommodation with the respondent disability support service. She alleged a client sexually harassed her, including by forcefully touching her breasts on many occasions when he became dysregulated and engaged in aggressive behaviour. The complainant said she lodged multiple incident reports about the conduct but alleged the service took no action to prevent the ongoing sexual harassment. She further alleged the service victimised her by threatening to remove sponsorship of her working visa because of her complaints.
The service denied the allegations and agreed to participate in conciliation to try to resolve the complaint.
The complaint was resolved with an agreement that the service pay the complainant $80,000 as general damages, approximately $12,700 in compensation for past and future economic loss, and approximately $5,600 to enable the complainant to obtain a professional qualification. The complainant remained employed with the service.
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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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