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ARTICLE · 22 JUNE 2026

Can A Worker Lodge Multiple Claims After Alleged Sexual Harassment And/or Discrimination At Work?

Carroll & O'Dea
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A recent Fair Work Commission decision provides important guidance about when individuals can pursue multiple legal claims arising from alleged workplace sexual harassment and discrimination.

AustraliaEmployment and HR
Tim Grellman
Tim Grellman
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A recent Fair Work Commission decision provides important guidance about when individuals can pursue multiple legal claims arising from alleged workplace sexual harassment and discrimination.

In Annemarie Clarke Chesaites v Sentinel Community Services Pty Ltd [2026] FWC 1086, Deputy President Slevin considered whether a worker was prevented from pursuing a sexual harassment dispute in the Fair Work Commission (FWC) because she had already lodged a complaint in the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC).

The Deputy President’s decision carefully examined section 734B of the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) (FWA), which is designed to prevent multiple proceedings being commenced “in relation to the same conduct”.

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