Resolved complaint (314) about sexual harassment in employment
Learn how a complaint (314) about sexual harassment in employment was resolved through conciliation.
Summary
- Year: 2026
- Relevant Act: Sex Discrimination Act
- Grounds: sex-based harassment; Sexual harassment
- Area(s): Employment
- Settlement terms:
- Compensation
- Statement of regret – private
- Statement of service
- Settlement amount: $165,000
About the complaint
The complainant worked at the respondent retail outlet and alleged the general manager sexually harassed her, including by making sexually explicit comments, trying to kiss her, and touching her thigh, bottom and breast without consent. The retailer terminated the general manager’s employment after the complainant reported the conduct internally. The complainant resigned from her employment before lodging her complaint.
The retailer said it acted in accordance with relevant policies and legal requirements and was not vicariously liable for the former general manager’s conduct.
The complaint was resolved by conciliation with an agreement that the retailer pay the complainant $135,000 as general damages, provide her with a statement of service and write to her expressign regret for the impact of the former general manager’s conduct. The former general manager agreed to pay the complainant $30,000 as general damages.
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.
