In recent years, the courts have taken a tougher stance on proven sexual harassment.  The courts have recognised the significant impact that sexual harassment can have on an individual’s enjoyment of life.

In Richardson v Oracle Corporation Australia Pty Ltd and Tucker [2014] FCAFC 82 (15 July 2014) the Federal Court awarded the Applicant $100,000 in recognition of the loss of enjoyment of life that the employee had suffered as a result of sexual harassment.

In Collins v Smith [2015] VCAT 1992 at [148], the Applicant was awarded $180,000.00 in general damages for non-economic loss after she had been sexually harassed at work.

In Green v State of Queensland [2017] QCAT 008 the tribunal awarded $156,051 to a claimant who suffered an adjustment disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder following a ‘prank’ of a sexual nature at work.