Strong outcome in a sexual harassment matter

01 June 2026

The ASU recently secured a strong outcome in a sexual harassment matter for a member working in the energy sector.

Our member was subjected to repeated sexually inappropriate comments and jokes made by a senior manager, both directly to her and in front of her in the workplace. When she raised concerns about the behaviour, her complaint was dismissed. She was told the conduct did not amount to sexual harassment and that she may have “misinterpreted” the comments.

The impact on our member was significant. Following both the conduct itself and the way her complaint was handled, she no longer felt safe at work — particularly as she was expected to continue working alongside the senior manager involved. She ultimately took stress leave and lodged a WorkCover claim. Although the claim was initially rejected, with ASU support the matter proceeded to conciliation and was eventually accepted.

The ASU also lodged an application in VCAT under the Victorian Equal Opportunity Act 2010, seeking compensation for the harm and loss caused to our member. Recently, we successfully negotiated a settlement, avoiding the need for our member to go through a hearing process. The outcome included substantial general damages for the hurt, humiliation and injury caused by the conduct. Importantly, it also delivered meaningful workplace change, including significant reforms to workplace policies, reporting systems, and broader organisational approaches to preventing and responding to sexual harassment.