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2023-12-04

The complainant identifies as lesbian and was employed with the respondent electrical infrastructure business as an apprentice electrician. She alleged that two colleagues referred to her as ‘lesbo’, ‘pole cat’, ‘dick tease’ and ‘a waste of a good mouth’ with reference to her sexual orientation. She also alleged the same colleagues touched and leaned against her and another colleague referred to her as a ‘f****ing slut’ behind her back. She alleged that her colleagues isolated her after she made a complaint about the alleged conduct and she was told male colleagues were making comments of a sexual nature about her. The complainant said she felt she had no option but to resign.

The respondents denied the allegations but agreed to participate in conciliation to try to resolve the complaint.

The complaint was resolved with an agreement that the respondents pay the complainant $80,000.

Year

Discrimination type
Sex Discrimination Act

Grounds
Sex
Sexual harassment
Sexual orientation
Victimisation

Areas
Employment

Outcome details

Compensation

Amount
$80,000