Resolved complaint (315) about sexual harassment in employment
Learn how a complaint (315) about sexual harassment and sex discrimination in employment was resolved through conciliation.
Summary
- Year: 2026
- Relevant Act: Sex Discrimination Act
- Grounds: Sex; sex-based harassment; Sexual harassment
- Area(s): Employment
- Settlement terms:
- Compensation
- Statement of regret - private
- Settlement amount: $250,000
About the complaint
The complainant was employed with the respondent doctor as a personal assistant. She alleged the doctor told her she needed to be available to meet all his needs, took her to dinners, pressured her to drink alcohol, and pressured her to have sexual relations with him. The complainant said she did not consent to this conduct and felt she had no option but to resign.
The doctor claimed any sexual relationship between him and the complainant was consensual.
The complaint was resolved by conciliation with an agreement that the doctor pay the complainant $205,000 in compensation for hurt and distress and $45,000 as a contribution to legal costs. The doctor also agreed to write to the complainant expressing regret for the distress she experienced.
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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
- complaints are resolved on a 'without admission of liability' basis
- some content may include confronting or offensive language.
