Resolved complaint (287) about sexual harassment and victimisation in employment

About the complaint

The complainant was employed in a customer liaison role with the respondent energy distributor. She alleged a more senior colleague sexually harassed her, including by touching her shoulder and leg and slapping her bottom when a group of colleagues went for dinner and drinks after a work-related training event. She alleged her colleague then undermined her and questioned her work. She alleged her employer was slow to investigate her internal complaint, did not keep her informed of progress in the investigation and then offered her an alternative position that would constitute a demotion.

The respondents offered an alternative version of events and said an internal investigation did not substantiate the allegations.

The complaint was resolved by conciliation with an agreement that the respondents pay the complainant $20,000.

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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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