Australian Human Rights Commission to look at Qld abattoir sexual assault complaint

A worker at a Queensland abattoir who complained of repeated sexual assaults was told by bosses it was just a “language barrier”, according to a complaint.

A worker at a Queensland abattoir who complained of repeated sexual assaults was told by bosses it was just a “language barrier”, according to a complaint set to be filed in the Australian Human Rights Commission.

The 31-year-old migrant was working at a South East Queensland pork-processing facility where he says he was humped from behind while drinking from a bubbler, grabbed on the bottom numerous times and subjected to offensive questions about whether he would perform oral sex on a colleague.

After months of trying to rebuff the harassment the worker, who is gay, became so distressed by the treatment he started physically shaking when he saw his alleged harasser.

By mid-2023 the man, named Kieran, decided to report the conduct to his manager and subsequently attended multiple meetings with his boss and human resources where he outlined his treatment and tried to resolve the matter.

He was asked what he wanted done about the situation and said he wanted the harasser moved to a different department so he no longer had to be around him but was only told ”we’ll see how that goes”.

“We believe that there is a language barrier between you and [the colleague], because his English is very bad, and you [the complainant] come from a different culture than him,” Kieran said he was told during one of the meetings.

“Maybe there was a misunderstanding that made him touch you.”

Eventually Kieran was told the investigation found no evidence he experienced sexual harassment and it was a case “he said, he said”.

When he asked that his colleague be made to apologise for the behaviour he was told the company couldn’t enforce that.

The alleged victim became so distraught with his treatment he was diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder and left unable to work.

“I went to Australia believing it was a safe, fair country,” he told The Courier-Mail.

“I came here to work hard and build a future.

“No one should have to feel scared, ashamed, or powerless at work – especially not in a country that prides itself on equality. I hope by speaking out, other overseas workers can be better informed and protected, and that this kind of behaviour is never tolerated.”

He made a worker’s compensation claim in November 2023.

Kieran is represented by Maurice Blackburn lawyers.

“Everyone is entitled to a safe workplace free from harassment. We are proud to stand with Kieran,” principal solicitor Patrick Turner said.