Is workplace sexual harassment illegal in Australia?

Yes. Workplace sexual harassment is unlawful under the Sex Discrimination Act 1984 (Cth) and, since the 2022 Respect@Work reforms, employers have a positive duty under the Australian Human Rights Commission Act to eliminate sexual harassment, sex discrimination, and victimisation as far as possible. Workers can complain to the Australian Human Rights Commission, the Fair Work Commission (general protections), or pursue civil claims. Conduct that includes physical contact, threats, or quid-pro-quo demands may also be criminal.

What's the most important thing to do if I'm being harassed at work?

Document everything contemporaneously — date, time, location, exact words/conduct, witnesses, evidence, and your reaction. Contemporaneous notes carry far more weight at the FWC, AHRC, or in court than recollections written months later. This tool stores logs in your browser only — nothing is sent to any server. Get medical and psychological support if you need it. Consider whether to report internally first, or go directly to the AHRC or FWC.

Where is my incident log data stored?

All data stays in your browser's local storage. FairWorkMate's servers never see it. You can export a PDF report or a JSON backup at any time, and you can clear all data instantly. If you use this tool in private/incognito mode, the data clears when you close the window. If you sync browser data across devices (Chrome sign-in, etc.), the data may be synced through your browser provider's encrypted sync.

Where can I report workplace sexual harassment?

Three main pathways. (1) Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) — complaints under the Sex Discrimination Act, free, 24-month time limit (extended from six months by the Respect@Work reforms). (2) Fair Work Commission (FWC) — general protections claim if there has been adverse action, 21-day deadline if you've been dismissed. (3) State anti-discrimination bodies (Anti-Discrimination NSW, VEOHRC, QHRC, etc). For criminal conduct (assault, threats), report to the police. Many workers also report internally to HR first — but you don't have to.

What's the time limit to lodge a sexual harassment complaint?

24 months for the AHRC under the Sex Discrimination Act 1984 (extended from six months by the Respect@Work reforms; extensions available in some cases). Twenty-one days for FWC unfair dismissal claims if your employment ended. Six years for civil action in the Federal Circuit and Family Court for breach of the Fair Work Act. State bodies have their own time limits. Don't delay — contemporaneous notes built up using a tool like this become more valuable the further from the incident you get.

Workplace Harassment Incident Log

A private space to record what's happening, in the format the FWC, AHRC and lawyers want to see — date, location, perpetrator, what happened, witnesses, evidence, impact. Everything is stored only in your browser. Nothing is sent to FairWorkMate. Export, backup, or wipe whenever you choose.

Last verified: 21 May 2026

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Privacy

Everything you type stays in your browser only. FairWorkMate's servers never see it. Use the export buttons below when you're ready to share with the AHRC, FWC, or a lawyer.

Where to take this log

• Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) — sexual harassment / discrimination complaints under the Sex Discrimination Act 1984. Free, 24-month time limit (extended from six months by the Respect@Work reforms). Lodge a complaint.
• Fair Work Commission (FWC) — general protections claim if there has been adverse action; Stop Bullying Order if conduct fits s789FD. 21-day deadline if you've been dismissed.
• State anti-discrimination bodies — Anti-Discrimination NSW, VEOHRC, QHRC, etc. Each has its own time limits.
• Police — if the conduct is criminal (assault, threats, stalking).
• 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) — confidential counselling and support.

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Since March 2023, the Fair Work Commission can issue stop-sexual-harassment orders. Learn how the Respect@Work reforms changed the law, the positive duty on employers, how to apply for a stop order ($0 fee), the FWC vs AHRC pathway, and the new criminal offence for serious cases.

Workplace Sexual Harassment NDAs Are Void From 1 November 2026 — What It Means for You

From 1 November 2026, NDAs in workplace sexual harassment settlements are unenforceable against victims under Federal law. Here's what the ban covers, what it doesn't, and what to do about existing NDAs.

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FairWork Mate is an independent commercial service. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or associated with the Fair Work Ombudsman, the Fair Work Commission, or any Australian Government agency. Content is general information and estimates only — not legal, financial, or tax advice. Always verify with the Fair Work Ombudsman (13 13 94) or a qualified professional.

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