VIC:Test case over computer porn at work

AAP General News (Australia)
08-01-2011
VIC:Test case over computer porn at work

By Melissa Iaria

MELBOURNE, Aug 1 AAP - A test case in the Federal Court will determine whether a woman
can sue for being exposed to male colleagues viewing computer pornography at work.

Air traffic controller Kirsty Fletcher alleges she was subjected to bullying and sex
discrimination by Airservices Australia (ASA) in proceedings lodged in the Federal Court
in Melbourne.

The matter was listed for a preliminary directions hearing on Monday.

Part of the case will determine whether a woman can sue under the Federal Sex Discrimination
Act when she has been exposed to male colleagues viewing computer pornography at work.

The law firm representing her, Maurice Blackburn, is seeking access to a large volume
of material, including pornography.

It alleges a "substantial" amount of pornographic material was stored on the computer
system of the government-owned organisation and that an ASA manager distributed it to
other managers and staff regularly for years.

"Our client was exposed to pornographic sexual images while at work. We believe that
by allowing this to occur, Air Services breached the Federal Sex Discrimination Act,"

Maurice Blackburn principal Josh Bornstein said in a statement.

Mr Bornstein said women exposed to pornographic posters at work could pursue claims
of unlawful discrimination and it should be no different where the images are displayed
on staff computer screens.

ASA has rejected any claims the workplace behaviour alleged is widespread within Airservices,
saying it had strong policies to deal with harassment and bullying.

"Far from taking no action on Ms Fletcher's claims, Airservices has taken definite
steps to address her concerns," it said in a statement.

"In fact, the individual allegedly responsible for this behaviour no longer works with
Airservices."

"We do not tolerate the alleged behaviour at the centre of these claims."

The organisation said it remained open to settling the case and made the offer to the
court again on Monday.

Repeated efforts to mediate the case have failed.

ASA said it terminated Ms Fletcher's employment in July 2011 due to an "irretrievable breakdown".

Justice Anthony North adjourned the case for a further directions hearing on October 13.

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KEYWORD: COMPUTER WRAP

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