An independent review of harassment in the South Australian legal profession has made 16 recommendations aimed at combatting inappropriate behaviour in the workplace. 

The review, undertaken by the Office of the Commissioner for Equal Opportunity led by former Acting Commissioner Steph Halliday, heard from more than 600 people who were currently working - or had recently worked - in the sector.

"What the Review Team heard was extremely disturbing," Commissioner for Equal Opportunity Jodeen Carney said.

Media Release 9 April 2021 - Premier announces appointment of New Equal Opportunity Commissioner Jodeen Carney

Lawyer, former Northern Territory politician and departmental Chief Executive, Jodeen Carney, has been appointed as South Australia’s next Equal Opportunity Commissioner.

Attorney-General Vickie Chapman said Ms Carney, who has been her Chief of Staff for the past three years, will bring a unique skill set to the role at a critical time.

Consultation is now open in the Review of Harassment in the Legal Profession in South Australia, being undertaken by the Acting Commissioner for Equal Opportunity. 

The Review of Harassment in the Legal Profession was commissioned at the request of State Parliament in October last year. 

Following preliminary work undertaken over the past few months, Interim Commissioner Steph Halliday said the Commission was now ready to hear the views of those working in the sector. 

The Equal Opportunity Commission’s Review of Harassment in the South Australian Parliament Workplace has recommended sweeping changes to address harassment and discriminatory behaviour. 

The review examined how workplace sexual and discriminatory harassment is managed and reported in the parliament workplace, as well as opportunities to better prevent harassment and improve the current policies and procedures. The review report was tabled in State Parliament today.

A report concerning harassment in State Parliament has been provided to the President of the Legislative Council and the Speaker of the House of Assembly.

The review, conducted by the Acting Equal Opportunity Commissioner, examined how workplace harassment is managed and reported in Parliament House, as well as opportunities to better prevent harassment and improve the current policies and procedures. 

A senior lawyer with experience in both the Crown Solicitors Office and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions has been appointed as interim Equal Opportunity Commissioner.

Attorney-General Vickie Chapman said Steph Halliday would begin in the role on March 1, while the Government considers its options for a longer-term appointment, taking over from the current Acting Commissioner Emily Strickland.

The Commissioner for Equal Opportunity has been asked by Parliament to conduct an independent review into harassment in the parliamentary workplace.

Read more about the review

Equal Opportunity Commission 

Media Release 

12 November 2020 

Work commences on State Parliamentary Workplace Harassment Review 

Acting Equal Opportunity Commissioner Emily Strickland today said a review of the State parliamentary workplace would commence immediately, following a motion being carried in the House of Assembly today.