Case summary 231
Victimisation, pregnancy and family responsibility discrimination in employment
Summary
- Year: 2025
- Relevant Act: Sex Discrimination Act
- Grounds: Family responsibilities; Pregnancy; Victimisation
- Area(s): Employment
- Settlement terms:
- Compensation
- Settlement amount: $15,000
About the complaint
The complainant worked for the respondent government entity for approximately 20 years. She alleged she was told she was too busy trying to become pregnant to do her job. She alleged that shortly before she started maternity leave, she was told that she had not been doing her job adequately and that her job may not be available on her return. The complainant further alleged that the employer declined her request for flexible work arrangements and told her it would no longer provide her with accommodation after she complained about the treatment.
The employer said it was having discussions with the complainant about her request for flexible work arrangements, but these broke down due to the conduct of her advocate. The employer confirmed it asked the complainant to move out of her accommodation, but this was done in error. The employer advised the complainant resigned before the issues could be resolved.
The complaint was resolved by conciliation with an agreement that the employer pay the complainant $15,000.
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.
