ARTICLE · 20 AUGUST 2014

Does your workplace have a harassment and discrimination policy?

Coleman Greig Lawyers

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This case clearly highlights the Court's readiness to award significant money in cases of harassment and discrimination.

AustraliaEmployment and HR

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If not, it is definitely time to implement one!

The Federal Court has recently handed down a landmark decision by awarding a former Oracle employee $130,000 in damages. This case clearly highlights the Court's readiness to award significant money in cases of harassment and discrimination.

The Oracle employee was sexually harassed over a period of 6 months by another employee. Specifically, the employee was subjected to humiliating verbal advances and comments, sometimes in the presence of co-workers and clients. Such comments included "I love your legs in that skirt" and "I'm going to be thinking about them wrapped around me all day long".

The employee developed an adjustment disorder, anxiety and depression and took about 12 months to recover and find alternate employment.

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