s 94(1) Sex Discrimination Act 1984 (Cth)

Leach v Burston [2022] FCA 87

PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE – interlocutory application for strike out and/or summary dismissal of applicant’s Points of Claim (POC) – whether it is reasonably arguable that s 46PO(3) of the Australian Human Rights Commission Act 1986 (Cth) (AHRC Act) does not preclude the applicant from pursuing proceedings in this Court – whether it is reasonably arguable that the Court has jurisdiction to determine whether respondent contravened s 94(1) of the Sex Discrimination Act 1984 (Cth) (SD Act) – whether applicant’s claims have a reasonable prospect of success – whether it is reasonably arguable that “acts, omissions or practices” (s 46PO(3)(b) of AHRC Act) are limited to events constituting alleged sexual harassment/discrimination – whether appropriate to determine s 46PO(3) of the AHRC Act and s 94(1) of the SD Act issues in interlocutory application – where Court satisfied it is reasonably arguable that Court has jurisdiction to hear complaint with regard to s 94 of the SD Act – where claims relating to s 28G(2) of the SD Act do not disclose arguable cause of action – s 28G(2) of the SD Act claims to be summarily dismissed/struck out, but balance of claims in POC are reasonably arguable – application otherwise dismissed.

Renae Kumar appeared for the Applicant.

Reasons for the decision can be found here.