Tuesday 20 August 2024 Only 1 in 230,000 sexual harassment victims get to court The ACTU is looking forward to broad support across the Parliament for new laws that will ‘level the playing field’ to make it easier for victim-survivors of workplace sexual harassment to bring a legal case. [...] The ACTU is part of a broad coalition of over 85 organisations, the Power to Prevent coalition, including National Legal Aid and the Kingsford Legal Centre, advocating for the new costs model. [...] The Bill removes one of the biggest deterrents workers face when weighing up court action; the real risk they may be left paying the other sides’ legal costs, leading to significant debt or bankruptcy – which can often run to tens of thousands of dollars. [...] “It is heartening to see the Government listening to both victim-survivors and those organisations that work with the most disadvantaged to design a system that removes barriers to seeking redress from workplace discrimination and sexual harassment. [...] “This change is especially important for individuals in low-paid and precarious employment, which often translates to lower awards of compensation that are quickly eroded by legal costs in litigation.” Quotes attributable to Kingsford Legal Centre Director, Emma Golledge: “I think the whole nation was shocked by the Respect@Work Report and the high rates of sexual harassment in Australia.
Authors
- Pages
- 2
- Published in
- Australia
Table of Contents
- The ACTU is part of a broad coalition of over 85 organisations the Power to Prevent coalition including National Legal Aid and the Kingsford Legal Centre advocating for the new costs model. 1
- The Parliament is due to consider the Albanese Governments Costs Protection Bill this week. The Bill would implement the 55 and final outstanding recommendation from the landmark RespectWork Report. 1
- The Bills new equal access costs model will enable workers to pursue their rights in federal courts without the fear of hefty court-ordered costs. 1
- The passage of the bill will send a clear message that sexual harassment and discrimination is unacceptable in our workplaces. 1
- This reform is a massive step forward in holding the perpetrators of sexual harassment to account. 1
- The lack of certainty around costs means that even when they win there is no guarantee a victim- survivors costs will be covered and in fact they may even be liable for the respondents costs. 1
- By removing this barrier low-income and vulnerable workers will be empowered to seek justice for encountering workplace sexual harassment or discrimination. 1
- Quotes attributable to National Legal Aid Chair Louise Glanville 2
- Many of our clients choose not to proceed with seeking legal justice because of their legitimate worries about financial risk to their future well-being and that of their families. 2
- This change is especially important for individuals in low-paid and precarious employment which often translates to lower awards of compensation that are quickly eroded by legal costs in litigation. 2
- Quotes attributable to Kingsford Legal Centre Director Emma Golledge 2
- Enforcing your rights shouldnt bankrupt you and people who experience sexual harassment shouldnt be forced to end their claims because of this fear. 2
- ENDS 2
- Media contact Luisa Saccotelli 0400 149 901 2
