Resolved complaint (45) about sexual harassment and racial discrimination in the provision of goods and services
Learn how a complaint (45): sexual harassment and racial discrimination in the provision of goods and services — resolved by conciliation.
Summary
- Year: 2022
- Relevant Act: Racial Discrimination Act; Sex Discrimination Act
- Grounds: Colour; Sex; Sexual harassment
- Area(s): Goods, services and facilities; Other section 9
- Settlement terms:
- Policy change/Change in practice
About the complaint
The complainant is a person of colour and was imprisoned at the respondent government incarceration facility. She alleged a correction officer sexually harassed her, including by groping her breasts and offering her alcohol and cigarettes in exchange for oral sex. The complainant said she reported the conduct but alleged it was not properly investigated or responded to because she is a person of colour.
On being notified of the complaint, the department responsible for the operation of the incarceration facility indicated a willingness to try to resolve the complaint by conciliation.
The complaint was resolved with an agreement that the complainant’s allegations would be referred to the police for investigation. The department undertook to review its Inmate Handbook as it relates to policies and procedures concerning inmates making complaints and to consider including the Handbook on electronic tablets provided to all inmates.
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.
