Resolved complaint (234) about disability discrimination in employment
Learn how a complaint (234) about disability discrimination in employment was resolved through conciliation.
Summary
- Year: 2025
- Relevant Act: Disability Discrimination Act
- Grounds: Disability
- Area(s): Employment
- Settlement terms:
- Compensation
- Employment – other
- Policy change/Change in practice
- Settlement amount: $22,000
About the complaint
The complainant has bipolar disorder and complex trauma and worked for the respondent beverage company. She alleged the company did not respond appropriately to requests for adjustments to her working hours and conditions to accommodate her disability, despite being provided with supporting medical documentation. The complainant also alleged the company did not respond appropriately to numerous complaints about her manager’s conduct, which she described as abusive and triggering. She alleged the company’s failure to respond to her requests for adjustments and concerns about her manager led to a deterioration in her mental health and created a psychologically unsafe workplace.
The company apologised to the complainant and affirmed its strong commitment to supporting employees experiencing mental health issues. The company said that following an investigation, it issued the manager in question with a written warning and placed him on a behaviour management plan. The company acknowledged it could have responded more appropriately to the complainant’s requests for adjustments to accommodate her disability.
The complaint was resolved by conciliation with an agreement that the company pay the complainant $22,000 as general damages, offer her access to outplacement services, and improve its processes for supporting employees with psychosocial disability. The parties agreed to end the employment relationship.
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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
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