Report on Sexual Harassment in Victorian Courts and VCAT

On 14 July 2020, the Attorney-General of Victoria and the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Victoria jointly initiated a review of sexual harassment across the Victorian courts and VCAT.

19 April 2021

The independent review was led by former Commissioner of the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission, Dr Helen Szoke AO, to consider measures to prevent sexual harassment, improve reporting and support for those who experience sexual harassment, raise awareness, and ensure accountability across the state’s courts and VCAT.

Dr Szoke’s final report was released on 19 April 2021. Access the report and the responses to it below.

From the Chief Justice

Watch the Chief Justice of Victoria, Anne Ferguson, respond to the report:

'Sexual harassment is harmful, unlawful and wrong. It goes against everything our justice system is built on. I want to make it clear we will not put up with any form of wrongful conduct in our courts or VCAT. There will be zero tolerance for sexual harassment.'


Video transcript (Word - 16 KB)

The report

Access the media release from the Attorney-General on the Victorian Government’s website.

Joint statement

Read a joint statement from the Courts Council, comprising the Heads of Jurisdiction and independent members.

External sexual harassment report reporting avenues

Access a summary of sexual harassment reporting avenues for people who experience or witness sexual harassment in the court or VCAT.