23/01/2025

The 2024 Review of Harassment in the Legal Profession in South Australia has been released publicly today.

The 2024 Review of harassment in the legal profession has found that despite gains made since the review undertaken in 2021 by then Acting Commissioner, Steph Halliday, harassment in all its forms persists in the profession.

The Review assessed progress following the 2021 recommendations and also assessed the current state of harassment in the profession. The report, released today, makes 14 recommendations.

“’Harassment’ is the collective term used for sexual harassment, discrimination, and bullying. These behaviours are unacceptable and unlawful yet remain prevalent," Commissioner for Equal Opportunity Jodeen Carney said.

“The legal sector not only administers the law and plays an important role in protecting the rights of others which makes the results of this review even more disappointing.

“The recommendations enable leaders in the profession to drive change. Change will take time which is why a further review is recommended in 4 years”, she said.