Is a sexual harassment claim worth $37 million? The lawyers for David Jones employee, Kirsty Fraser Kirk seem to think so. This is the biggest compensation sum ever sought for a claim of sexual harassment in this country. And even before the outcome the case is attracting extensive (and divided) public scrutiny.
Sexual harassment is still common in the workplace, even 25 years after legislation was introduced outlawing it. According to a survey by the Australian Human Rights Commission, more than 20% of women and 5% of men say they have been sexually harassed in the workplace. Even more said they recognised they had been harassed once they were told what sexual harassment actually meant.
So what exactly is it? When does office flirting become sexual harassment? Are we outlawing sex and flirting in the workplace? And what are the risks if you report unwanted sexual attention?
Insight brings together complainants, lawyers, commentators and work colleagues to talk through what can be the complex territory of sexual harassment in the workplace today. |
