Workplace harassment complaints hit record, but investigation waits stretch to months
The AHRC logged 759 sex discrimination complaints last financial year, up 21 per cent, with average waits of nearly seven months.
The rise in complaints reflects new legal reforms and greater awareness of workplace rights, rather than a rise in harassment itself. The system cannot keep pace with demand.
One apprentice was sexually harassed by her boss in NSW. Heather waited 14 months for her complaint to be formally accepted.
Heather quit her electrical apprenticeship the next day after the harassment and lost nine months of work before finding another job. Employment lawyer Lisa Berton said complainants still choose the federal AHRC over faster state bodies because it offers stronger enforcement powers and potentially uncapped compensation.
Of the 460 sexual harassment complaints the AHRC received, 95 per cent were workplace-related.
- 759 sex discrimination complaints
- Complaints filed
- 21 per cent increase
- Year-on-year rise
- Nearly seven months
- Average wait time
- 14 months to formal acceptance
- Heather's wait
Why it mattersPeople harassed at work face months of delay before their case is even looked at. This discourages reports and postpones justice.
