Three women sexually harassed by former High Court justice Dyson Heydon receive settlement

Three women sexually harassed by former High Court justice Dyson Heydon receive settlement

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Three women who were sexually harassed by former High Court justice Dyson Heydon have secured a confidential settlement.

The commonwealth government reached the “historic” settlement with Chelsea Tabart, Alexandra Eggerking, and Rachael Collins, whose allegations of sexual harassment by Heydon were upheld by an independent investigator.

Attorney-General Michaelia Cash announced the settlement on Monday and apologised to the three women and recognised their bravery in coming forward.

“We recognise Ms Tabart’s, Ms Eggerking’s and Ms Collins’ bravery at coming forward and telling their stories to Dr Thom, the High Court and other Australians. These women have told us about what they have been through during, and since, their times as Associates of the High Court and the serious impacts on their lives,” Cash said in a statement.

“We have listened to them and we apologise.”

Cash said the government had accepted and acted on all six recommendations made by independent investigator Dr Vivienne Thom.

“The practices of the High Court in responding to sexual harassment, and more importantly in attempting to prevent it from occurring, have been transformed.”

The settlement amount cannot be disclosed under the terms of the confidential agreement, as each woman had signed a non-disclosure agreement.

Josh Bornstein from Maurice Blackburn, who was representing the women said he was “exceedingly proud, chuffed and stoked” with the result.

In June 2020, an inquiry led by independent investigator Dr Vivienne Thom found that Heydon had sexually harassed six female associates. Heydon categorically denied the allegations and dismissed the inquiry because it was conducted by a public servant, and not by a lawyer, judge or tribunal member.

“We are ashamed that this could have happened at the High Court of Australia,” the Chief Justice of the High Court, Susan Keifel, said at the time.

“The High Court was advised last year of allegations of sexual harassment against a former Justice and we immediately acted to commission an independent investigation.”

“We have made a sincere apology to the six women whose complaints were borne out. We know it would have been difficult to come forward. Their accounts of their experiences at the time have been believed. I have appreciated the opportunity to talk with a number of the women about their experiences and to apologise to them in person.”

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