Last updated February 22, 2024

Sexual Harassment in The Workplace: Can I Get Compensation?

Sexual harassment in the workplace is on the rise in Australia.

A recent survey of female Lawyers in the NSW Legal Profession found that more than 70% had reported being sexually harassed with many saying that had been subjected to unwelcome touching, objectification and repeated advances in the workplace or at social events. The survey was conducted by the Woman’s Lawyers Association of NSW and forms part of its submission to the Australian Human Rights Commissions Enquiry into sexual harassment in the workplace.

A white puzzel with a missing piece, in the gap it says HARASSMENT and the missing piece in the photo saying STOP IT!

79% of all Australian’s had been sexually harassed at some point in their lives.

What is Sexual Harassment?

Section 28A (1) of the Sex Discrimination Act (CTH) 1984 (SDA) defines sexual harassment behaviour as:

(a) a person who makes an unwelcome sexual advance, or an unwelcome request for sexual favours, to the person harassed; or

(b) engages in other unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature in relation to the person harassed;

In circumstances in which a reasonable person would have anticipated the possibility that the person harassed would be offended, humiliated or intimidated.

Sexual Harassment in the workplace

Section 28B of the SDA makes it unlawful for an employer to sexually harass an employee or an employee to sexually harass a fellow employee.

Sexual harassment in employment by either fellow employees or the boss is considered to be unlawful discrimination.

Section 106 of the SDA imposes vicarious liability on employers for sexual harassment by one employee towards another. The employer is liable if they fail to take all reasonable steps to prevent the employee form doing the sexual harassment.

This means the employer could be held responsible for any remedy the employee may seek as a result of the sexual harassment by another employee.

Similar provisions are found in the Anti-Discrimination Act (NSW) 1977.

If you have sustained an injury either physical or psychological you can make a claim for workers compensation benefits under the NSW Workers Compensation Act 1987.

How to report sexual harassment in the workplace

A sexual harassment claim needs to be reported to the human resources department or a manager at work. You should keep any emails or any other documents relating to the assault/harassment and record as much information as you can about any verbal comments or other actions being taken to sexually harass you.

Your employer should take your complaints seriously and remove you from the presence of the person who is sexually harassing you and investigate the allegations and do their best to stop the sexual harassment.

Unfortunately, once a complaint has been made, employers often do nothing or often do very little to prevent further sexual harassment from occurring.

If the person who is sexually harassing you is the boss and there is no one to report the conduct to, you can make a complaint to the Australian Human Rights Commission. You need to make the complaint within 12 months.

How to claim compensation for sexual harassment in the workplace

To claim monetary compensation for sexual harassment, a complaint of sexual harassment in the workplace must be made to the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) within 12 months of the acts occurring.

The AHRC has the power to investigate and conciliate any such complaints and decide as to whether the sexual harassment was unlawful and also arrange for the parties to attend mediation to see if agreement can be reached.

If no agreement can be reached, then proceedings may be commenced seeking monetary compensation in the Federal Court. This must occur within 60 days of the decision by the AHRC.

Section 46PO of the AHRC Act allows the Federal Court to award damages for unlawful discrimination which includes sexual harassment. The section reads as follows: –

“if the court concerned is satisfied that there has been unlawful discrimination by any respondent, the court may make such orders (including a declaration of rights) as it thinks fit, including any of the following orders or any order to a similar effect…..

(d)an order requiring a respondent to pay to applicant damage by way of compensation for any loss or damage suffered because of the conduct of the respondent.”

Recent cases that involve sexual harassment within the workplace

There have been two recent cases decided by the Federal Court, one (Richardson v Oracle Corporation Pty Limited) in which the court awarded the person who was sexually harassed $100,000.00 for the value of loss of enjoyment of life and the mental illness or distress caused by the conduct as well as $30,000.00 in loss of income.

Recently in the case of Katherine Hill v Owen Hughes t/as Beasley & Hughes Lawyers, the court awarded $170,000.00 to a female lawyer who had been sexually harassed by her boss. $120,000.00 was awarded for damages suffered because of the harassing conduct and $50,000.00 was awarded for aggravated damages. Aggravated damages are essentially awarded for the failure of the employer to stop or prevent the sexual harassment from occurring.

Summary

These two recent cases make it clear that the Federal Court of Australia will award substantial damages of compensation to anyone sexually harassed in the course of their employment should the employer fail to take all reasonable steps to prevent the sexual harassment from continuing once it is reported. If it is the owner of the business that is sexually harassing, you then the employer has clearly failed to take any steps to stop the harassment and will be found liable to pay compensation. It is the employer who pays the compensation.

If you would like to discuss any potential claim you may have please contact our office at (02) 8329 9500 or complete a free case assessment here.

Matthew Garling

Matthew Garling is an Accredited Specialist in Personal Injury Law approved by New South Wales Law Society. He is admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of NSW and the High Court of Australia. Matthew is also a member of...

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T M

08:15 27 Feb 25

To describe my experience with Garling & Co Lawyers as transformative would be an understatement. From the moment I engaged their services, I was met with a level of professionalism, compassion, and... legal acumen that is truly unparalleled. At the heart of this exceptional team is Mr. Matthew a man whose profound intellect, vast experience, and unwavering commitment to his clients set him apart as one of the finest advocates in the field of personal injury law.Mr. Matthew possesses an extraordinary depth of knowledge, honed by years of navigating the complexities of personal injury claims. His ability to anticipate challenges, strategize effectively, and counteract adversarial tactics is nothing short of remarkable. In my case, where I suffered a debilitating back injury as a result of a workplace accident, the road to recovery both physically and legally felt insurmountable. Insurance companies and medical examiners sought to downplay the severity of my condition, attempting to minimise my impairment rating and deny me the compensation I rightfully deserved. Yet, Mr. Matthew stood firm, refusing to let them diminish the gravity of my suffering.What struck me most about Mr. Matthew and indeed the entire team at Garling & Co is their genuine care for their clients. Mr. Matthew is not merely a lawyer; he is a compassionate advocate who understands the human element behind every case. He listened intently as I described the chronic pain, mobility limitations, and emotional toll caused by my back injury , treating my story with the seriousness it warranted. His internal and external team, equally brilliant and dedicated, worked tirelessly to gather medical evidence, consult specialists, and build an unassailable case that highlighted the true extent of my injuries. Together, they formed an unstoppable force, driven by a shared mission to deliver the best possible result for their clients.The professionalism exhibited by Garling & Co is of such a high caliber that it defies belief. Every interaction was marked by courtesy, precision, and transparency. They communicated with me regularly, keeping me informed at every stage of the process and ensuring I felt empowered rather than overwhelmed. Their ability to simplify even the most intricate legal matters into understandable terms speaks volumes about their expertise and client-centered approach.Thanks to Mr. Matthew and his team, what began as a daunting and disheartening journey ended in triumph. Facing a severe back injury that left me unable to work or enjoy life as I once did, I encountered countless obstacles designed to diminish my claim. Yet, under Mr. Matthew’s guidance, those barriers were dismantled one by one. The result he achieved for me was not just satisfactory it was extraordinary. He secured the maximum compensation I deserved, restoring not only my financial stability but also my faith in the legal system.If you find yourself grappling with the aftermath of a personal injury, whether it be a back injury , workplace accident, or any other trauma, I implore you to place your trust in Garling & Co Lawyers. They are more than capable of turning despair into hope, adversity into victory, and injustice into resolution. With Mr. Matthew leading the charge, you can rest assured that your case will be handled with the utmost integrity, intelligence, and tenacity.In closing, I wish to express my deepest gratitude to Mr. Matthew and the entire team at Garling & Co. You have made an indelible impact on my life, and I will forever be indebted to you for your tireless efforts and unwavering support. To anyone seeking representation that combines brilliance, professionalism, and genuine care, look no further Garling & Co is the epitome of excellence.read more

S Z

07:46 27 Feb 25

I cannot express enough gratitude for the exceptional support and dedication provided by Garling & Co Lawyers, particularly Mr. Matthew, Alison, and their incredible team. They have been nothing... short of a lifeline during one of the darkest chapters of my life a time when I felt abandoned, broken, and unsure if anyone could truly help me.After sustaining multiple disabilities from a workplace injury, I was left grappling with physical pain, emotional turmoil, and overwhelming uncertainty about my future. I had initially turned to another law firm one of those big names everyone talks about but they failed me. Despite their promises and polished reputation, they couldn’t deliver when it mattered most. Faced with insurance medical examiners determined to downplay my injuries and strip away my rights, I felt powerless. It seemed like no one was on my side until I found Garling & Co.From the very first conversation, Matthew, Alison, and the entire team showed me what real compassion looks like. They didn’t just hear my story; they felt it. Every phone call I made was answered with patience and understanding. Every question I had was met with clarity and reassurance. For the first time in months, I felt seen, heard, and valued not as a case file, but as a person.What sets Garling & Co apart isn’t just their unmatched legal expertise it’s their humanity. They understood the weight of what I was carrying, and they carried it with me. Where others saw obstacles too great to overcome, they saw opportunities to fight harder. Their wisdom, determination, and relentless pursuit of justice transformed a losing case into a victory that exceeded all expectations.The difference between my previous lawyers and Garling & Co? Heart. My former lawyers treated my case like a transaction; Garling & Co treated it like a mission. They refused to let the insurance company minimize my suffering or dismiss my struggles. Instead, they fought tooth and nail to secure the maximum impairment compensation I deserved a result I never dreamed possible after everything I’d been through.If you’re reading this and feeling lost, scared, or defeated, please know there is hope. No matter how complex or challenging your situation may seem, Garling & Co will stand by you. They’ll dig deep, work tirelessly, and leave no stone unturned in their quest for fairness and justice. You won’t just be hiring lawyers you’ll be gaining advocates who genuinely care about your well-being and your future.To Matthew, Alison, and the entire team at Garling & Co: thank you!!! doesn’t feel like enough. You’ve given me back my dignity, my peace of mind, and my belief that good people still exist in this world. If anyone is searching for a team that will pour their heart and soul into your case, look no further. These are the lawyers who will turn your darkest days into brighter tomorrows.read more

Jude M.

03:54 21 Feb 25

I rang Mr Matthew Garling on a matter, and Matthew gave me his time and honest advice from goodwill. Matthew is a very honest, good man of integrity who went beyond the call of duty. I would highly... recommend Matthew and his company.read more

Pouya Zadbar T.

01:36 15 Feb 25

Garling and Co were very helpful and did their best to get the most payout for my mothers workers compensation claim. We were very happy with their patience and understanding as this was a long and... trying process with the insurance. I Would definitely recommend their services.read more

Don T.

05:59 13 Feb 25

I had an occupational accident for 2 years and after the surgery for a whole year there was no good result and my body was in so much pain that I could not return to work. Everyone told me to find a... lawyer immediately, I did not know which lawyer could help me so I searched on Google. After searching I found that many clients were very satisfied with Garling & Co, so I texted Garling & Co. They immediately called back and asked if I felt pain and could not come to the office, they would come to see me but I replied that I could come. And the legal journey started from there. I met Mr. Garling who was about my age but very enthusiastic and dedicated and he explained and advised me in a way that I could understand all the questions and I agreed with him very much, then he handed over my case to Ms. Allison to contact me. Everything went very well according to his arrangements from the first step to the last step. Until the last day, he explained how the negotiation was going and I understood the whole story. I did not ask for too much and the number I gave was quickly agreed to avoid lengthy legal headaches. In total, after 4 years of the accident and almost 2 years with the help of Garling & Co, everything was resolved happily for all parties. Once again, I thank Mr. Garling, Ms. Allison and everyone at Garling & Co for helping me, they are wonderful and I hope they will continue their good work helping people who need legal help like I need help. Thank you very much Garling & Co.read more

Pedro M.

04:26 11 Feb 25

Thank you so much for all the help and support this past years.I recommend it to anyone who needs help.Thanks again and all the best for the Garling & Co team and a special thanks to Kerry Byrnes.

Ron J.

03:49 11 Feb 25

I had an overall good experience with Garling and Co. I was the victim of a major motorvehicle accident in April 2021. There were a few complications in my case including me having to move overseas... for 2 years temporarily during the progression of my claim and original lawyer from Garling that handled my case leaving the firm. The move overseas resulted in the insurer cutting off my income replacement, which lasted for 9 months, which as you can imagine created a major financial strain on the family On both these occasions, Garling worked to get a good result. They fought in front of the NSW Panel, and got a reported decision that states that all Permanent Residents and Citizens of Australia have the right to be paid income replacement even when overseas, during an accident claim under CTP cover. They also worked very hard in the face of a typically uncooperative and obstructive insurer to progress my claim over the last (almost 4 years) and the replacement lawyer Kerry Burns has done amazing work, with care, empathy and professionalism. I've had a good experience with them!read more

Sandra C.

03:27 06 Feb 25

Garling & Co Lawyers were professional from start to finish. They made me feel like I was as important to them as all their clients. Emma Perkins and her team went over and above in all aspects to... exceed my expectations. Highly recommended.read more

kokomo U.

01:38 15 Jan 25

Such a difficult time for me and so grateful to have alison and Mathews help...knowing I could trust in their knowledge, along with the understanding and compassion I received helped make a trying... time easier to navigate. Thankyou guys, would highly recommendread more

Sam H.

09:47 17 Dec 24

Very knowledgeable, explains everything very clearly and highly recommend.

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