Emirates-Owned dnata Ordered to Pay $36K in Sexual Harassment Case
Emirates-owned ground services company dnata has been ordered to pay $36,468.39 to a young airport worker who was forced to resign after making a sexual harassment complaint.
Courtney Sewell, a 21-year-old university student working part-time in passenger services for Emirates flights at Perth Airport, reported a male colleague for sexual harassment in March. The incident occurred when he repeatedly suggested she wear “a hijab and a short miniskirt” to an upcoming social event, telling her it would “look really good on her.” Despite her repeated refusals, he persisted, making her so uncomfortable she had to leave the situation.
After a female colleague found her upset and encouraged her to speak up, Ms Sewell filed a complaint. An internal investigation was launched, but on March 20 she was informed the claims could not be substantiated and there would be no consequences for the male employee.
Critically, dnata told Ms Sewell she couldn’t be rostered separately from her harasser as “that would be discrimination against the male employee.” Feeling undervalued and abandoned, she resigned in May.
The Fair Work Commission found dnata had dismissed Ms Sewell unfairly through constructive dismissal. Deputy President Abbey Beaumont criticized dnata’s investigation, noting they failed to interview two colleagues Ms Sewell spoke with immediately after the incident, and treated the male employee and Ms Sewell inequitably throughout the process.
The $36,468.39 compensation represents six months’ part-time wages.
Source: The Australian
Western Australia Leads National Wage Growth with 5.6% Increase
Western Australia has recorded the nation’s strongest wage growth at 5.6% year-on-year in July, significantly exceeding the national average of 4.6%, according to the Employment Hero Monthly Jobs Report. The state’s robust mining, construction and trade sectors are driving this exceptional performance.
Queensland followed with solid 5.2% growth, whilst other states remained closer to national averages, highlighting how resource-rich regions are setting the pace for wage increases.
Employment Gains Accompany Rising Wages
Nationally, the median wage reached $44.47 per hour in July, up 4.6% from the previous year. Western Australia’s performance extends beyond wages, with employment rising 6.9% year-on-year and average working hours increasing 1%. This combination reflects strong infrastructure investment, resource demand and renewed activity in trade industries.
Growth Moderating Nationally
Despite WA’s momentum, national wage growth is plateauing, with month-on-month increases of just 0.3% and 0.7% quarterly. Rising operational costs, including compliance, insurance and materials, are pressuring small and medium enterprises, though WA’s project-based work continues generating opportunities.
Construction and Trade Leading Sectors
The construction and trade services sector nationally saw 6.8% wage growth year-on-year, with WA contributing substantially through large-scale projects and demand for skilled tradespeople.
Implications for Employers
For Western Australian SMEs, wage inflation presents both challenges and opportunities. Higher pay demands strain budgets but enable businesses to attract top talent nationally, particularly as eastern states experience slower growth. The state’s economic resurgence signals growing confidence in WA’s competitive position.
Source: Employment Hero
Australian Job Vacancies Slip in August Quarter, Pointing to Softer Hiring Trends
Job vacancies across Australia fell by 2.7% in the August quarter, the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reported, reversing earlier gains. Total vacancies reached 327,200, down 1.5% from the previous year, though remaining above pre-pandemic levels.
The private sector drove the decline with a 3.4% drop in job openings, while public sector vacancies rose 2.2%. Vacancies fell across 11 of 18 tracked industries, with services hardest hit. Retail and wholesale provided rare bright spots with modest increases.
Competition for jobs is intensifying. Unemployed people per vacancy rose to two, up from 1.9 the previous quarter—the highest ratio since early 2021. Whilst Australia’s unemployment rate has only edged slightly higher to 4.1%, the shift suggests employers are exercising greater caution in hiring.
Economists view these figures as reflecting broader trends of companies slowing recruitment. Businesses are increasingly cautious, weighing costs against softer consumer spending and higher interest rates. The data emerges alongside major banks and tech firms announcing significant job cuts, heightening concerns about a tougher job market ahead.
For HR leaders, the message is clear: whilst vacancies remain above pre-pandemic levels, the period of easy hiring is ending. To remain resilient in a more competitive market, organisations must prioritise flexibility, internal mobility, and upskilling programmes.
Source: peoplemattersglobal.com
