Unions, lawyers and academics are urging the Albanese government to protect sexual harassment claimants by placing the burden on employers to cover their own costs in legal actions, even if they win, and to cover all costs if they lose.

In a letter addressed to Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus and Minister for Women Katy Gallagher, organisations and experts in discrimination legislation said the government’s proposed “cost neutrality” model for sexual harassment cases, where each side will bear their own costs instead of the loser paying all costs, will make it harder for people to get justice.