18 June 2025
12.30pm - 2.00pm
ACT legal profession needs urgent action to address sexual harassment in its ranks
The Women Lawyers Association of the ACT (WLA ACT) is deeply concerned to read recent media reports in the Sydney Morning Herald concerning allegations of sexual harassment in the legal profession.
WLA ACT takes these allegations very seriously.
Sexual harassment within the ACT legal profession remains a pervasive problem that continues to disproportionately affect women lawyers.
‘I was deeply concerned to read [last Monday’s] story. It is clear the ACT legal profession has a long way to go to make sure it is free of sexual harassment,’ WLA ACT President Danielle Mildren said.
Sadly, WLA ACT knows the stories in the article are not unique.
‘The stories in this article highlight how important it is for the ACT legal profession to address systemic cultural issues that underlay the issue of sexual harassment in the legal profession,’ Ms Mildren said.
‘Sadly, we know of so many women lawyers in the ACT who have suffered sexual harassment at work.
‘Many do not report the incidents for the same reason as the brave women in the article - the power imbalance between the perpetrator and the complainant, as well as the very real fear of damaging their career prospects.’
In 2018, a WLA ACT survey found 57 per cent of those who responded had been subject to sexual harassment while at work. Nearly half said that they had witnessed another person being sexually harassed while at work. WLA ACT has long advocated for the need for a strong response from the profession to effectively address sexual harassment.
It is clear that effective workplace training, accessible reporting mechanisms and greater support for women lawyers are needed in order to effectively address this issue and bring about effective cultural change in ACT legal workplaces.
These recommendations were also put forward in the Australian Human Rights Commission’s recent report Respect@Work: Sexual Harassment National Inquiry Report (2020).
‘The Australian Human Rights Commission also highlighted this as a significant issue in the legal profession when it published its Respect@Work report earlier this year,’ Ms Mildren said.
‘It is clear an industry-wide approach is needed to combat this problem and we want all our members who have experienced sexual harassment to know they are not alone.
‘Everyone has the right to be safe while at work and WLA ACT will continue to advocate for urgent action on this issue.’
International Women's Day Event 2020 - Judge Kate Hughes
On 12 March we were joined by esteemed guest, Judge Kate Hughes of the Federal Circuit Court of Australia, to celebrate International Women’s Day 2020.
At this sold out event, attendees were provided with the unique opportunity to hear Judge Hughes speak about her journey to the bench and the defining moments she encountered along the way, and how she balances wellbeing and judicial workload.
The Women Lawyers Association of the ACT would like to extend its sincere thanks to Judge Hughes for so generously sharing her insights and experiences.
International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination Lunch - POSTPONED
Unfortunately due to health concerns surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, we will have to postpone this event till later in the year when the situation settles.
We apologise for any inconvenience and thank you for your patience. Those who have purchased tickets will be refunded shortly.
According to the ACT Health website, the signs and symptoms to look out for regarding the COVID-19 virus include:
* fever;
* flu-like symptoms such as coughing, sore throat or headaches; and
* difficulty breathing.
If you are seeking information on COVID-19, you can call the Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080. The line operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Further information is also available in the ACT Health website and the latest national health advice.
International Women's Day Event SOLD OUT
Tickets to this event have now sold out.
We look forward to seeing you on 12 March 2020.
Applications for the Women Lawyers’ Mentor Program are now open
Applications for the University of Canberra Women Lawyers' Mentor Program (‘WLMP’) are now open!
This student-led program pairs women law students from the University of Canberra with professional women in the legal sector, to empower and develop them and provide valuable insights into the legal industry.
WLA ACT is proud to support this program and encourage our members who are interested in being a mentor to sign up. Applications for the Semester 1, 2020 mentoring program session close at midnight on 10 March 2020. Please click here if you are willing and able to be a mentor.
More information can be found here - http://www.wlaact.org.au/uc-mentoring-program
International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination Lunch
The Women Lawyers Association of the ACT is pleased to present a lunchtime conversation with Nyadol Nyuon in honour of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, at Parlour on Thursday 19 March 2020. Nyadol Nyuon is a lawyer, community advocate, writer, and accomplished public speaker.
Lunch, dessert and a drink will be provided with your ticket. Please advise if you have any dietary requirements.
International Women's Day Event - Judge Kate Hughes
Join us for an evening with Judge Kate Hughes of the Federal Circuit Court of Australia, as we celebrate International Women’s Day.
Tickets are selling quick.
More information about the event and the link to purchase tickets are below.