Expert in sex discrimination files sex discrimination complaint
An expert in sex discrimination law has filed a sex discrimination complaint against the Australian National University.
Associate Professor Skye Saunders filed the complaint in the Australian Human Rights Commission late last year.
She alleges the university discriminated against her on the basis of her sex, including paying her less than male colleagues.
Expert in sex discrimination engages prominent barrister
Dr Saunders alleges breaches of the Sex Discrimination Act, and as as result, engaged the services of prominent barrister and human rights advocate Julian Burnside.
The Canberra Times reports Dr Saunders expressed disappointment when she couldn’t resolve the complaint with the university directly.
She says she looks forward to a “fruitful conciliation” at the Human Rights Commission.
The Commission refers complaints to the Federal Court if they fail to resolve during conciliation.
Miles Heffernan, Director of Litigation at Discrimination Claims, said unlawful discrimination happens when someone is treated less favourably because of a protected attribute.
“For example, you cannot treat one person less favourably than other, based on whether they are male or female,” he said.
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Whispers from the Bush
Dr Saunders has previously published a book called “Whispers from the Bush – The Workplace Sexual Harassment of Australian Rural Women”.
The book focuses on sexual harassment in rural workplaces.
Mr Heffernan said every case of sex discrimination must be judged on its merits.
“Just because you’re an expert in the subject matter, doesn’t mean that your take on events will be how the courts or commissions will see it,” he said.
“The benefit of having an independent judiciary is that they look at the facts of the case.”
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