Resolved complaint (261) about sexual and sex-based harassment in employment

About the complaint

The complainant was employed as an administrative officer with the respondent tourism company. She alleged a company director sexually harassed her and harassed her on the basis of sex, including by asking her if she was ticklish and raising his hands to tickle her, approached her from behind and said ‘just the girl I wanted to speak to’ while rubbing her shoulders, saying ‘come in if you are good looking’ when she knocked on his office door, being condescending towards her, and slapping her bottom in front of colleagues. She alleged a senior manager downplayed her concerns and pressured her to resign. She said she also raised concerns with the company’s health and wellbeing officer, but no action was taken.

The respondents denied the allegations and indicated a willingness to participate in conciliation to try to resolve the complaint.

The complaint was resolved with an agreement that the company pay the complainant $50,000 as general damages.

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