In a recent case before the Federal Court of Australia (Richardson v Oracle) the applicant was successful in appealing against the inadequacy of an $18,000 payout for sexual harassment.
The Federal Court ordered Oracle to pay $100,000 plus a further $30,000 for economic loss. The Court said that community standards demanded a much more substantial payout for cases of sexual harassment thus casting aside the previous normal range of payouts from between $12,000 and $20,000.
Employers beware – don’t pay lip-service to sexual harassment in your workplace. Take proactive steps to minimise the likelihood of a sexual harassment claim. Not only will you avoid massive fines you will also have a productive and harmonious workplace. Talk to your HR specialist today!