Insiders say sexual harassment in Victoria's legal profession is an “open secret”. 

A report has been released following a review commissioned in the wake of sexual harassment allegations made against now-retired High Court judge Dyson Heydon, which was initiated by former Victorian attorney-general Jill Hennessy and Supreme Court Chief Justice Anne Ferguson. 

The report finds that people working in Victorian courts face barriers to reporting instances of sexual harassment in the workplace. It also highlights a culture that allows such behaviour to continue.

Victorian equal opportunity and human rights commissioner Dr Helen Szoke says “many women and some men” spoke up about the ‘open secret’ of sexual harassment. 

“Women also spoke of everyday sexism and a culture that often sees women and junior staff as ‘less than’,” she wrote in the report.

“Sexually suggestive comments or jokes, intrusive questions about their private life, and unwelcome comments on their physical appearance were accepted as part of the job.

“The review was told that sexual harassment and the silence surrounding these behaviours is perpetuated by the power inequalities in the court setting and a legal profession requiring patronage and a network to progress,” she said.

The report makes 20 recommendations, focusing mainly on the operation of the courts and VCAT, as well as systems for judicial officers, VCAT members, and Court Services Victoria staff. 

But it warns that there is a “pressing” need for reform in the broader legal profession.

“This report puts sexual harassment in Victorian courts and the harm it causes in the spotlight where it can’t be ignored any longer,” attorney-general Jaclyn Symes said in a statement.

“I welcome this clear path to building a better and safer culture and an aim of stamping out this unacceptable behaviour for good.”

The Judicial Commission of Victoria says it is prioritising the implementation of the report.

“The commission supports each of the recommendations which have been made to it. The commission has commenced preparation of a guideline to clearly set out appropriate standards,” it said in a statement.

“The broader review being conducted by the commission of its processes is carefully considering the matters raised by the report to strengthen sexual harassment complaint and investigation processes.”

Anyone who has experienced sexual harassment within a Victorian court, tribunal or other organisation is urged to contact VEOHRC’s enquiry line on 1300 292 153.