2019-01-12
The complainant had been a volunteer with the respondent community organisation. She alleged that when she expressed interest in applying for an advertised paid position, a manager told her the organisation was looking for a male because physical strength was required. The complainant was appointed to the paid position and alleged the same manager sexually harassed her, including by kissing her on the cheek, telling her he was attracted to her, asking her to go with him on a date and asking to go to her home. She also alleged she was unsuccessful for other paid roles in the organisation because she rejected the manager’s advances. The complainant had left her employment before lodging her complaint with the Commission.
On being advised of the complaint, the organisation indicated a willingness to try to resolve the complaint by conciliation.
The complaint was resolved with an agreement that the organisation write to the complainant acknowledging her distress and pay her $15,000. The organisation advised it had completed a disciplinary process with the manager, was in the process of reviewing relevant policies and procedures and would be delivering relevant training to staff.
Year
Discrimination type
Sex Discrimination Act
Grounds
Sex
Sexual harassment
Areas
Employment
Apology - Private
Compensation
Anti-discrimination/EEO policy reviewed/revised
Anti-discrimination/EEO training introduced
Action taken against named individuals
Amount
$15,000