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Record harassment payout

A woman was awarded the sum of $364,800, believed to be a record sexual harassment payout in South Australia (SA), by the Federal Court on Tuesday.

Malgorzata Poniatowska worked for Hickinbotham, which claims to be the largest house builder in SA, for 12 months in 2005 and 2006. Federal Court Justice John Mansfield found Poniatowska had been sexually harassed by two employees and ordered the com pany pay $364, 800 plus costs. “I am very happy, not only for myself but for all people who have been harassed in the workplace,” Poniatowska was quoted by the Australian Associated Press as saying.

“I would strongly recommend to them to stand up for their rights,” she said. Poniatowska had been seeking almost $784,500 in damages from Hickinbotham, which said it would likely make further comment after considering the judgement.

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