How differently or otherwise do you think that that matter would be viewed or handled today? Kristy Fraser-Kirk, it's more than a decade since your case involving David Jones. In a statement, David Jones said the historical case is in no way reflective of its values and it does not tolerate harassment of any nature. 7.30 made multiple attempts to contact Mr McInnes, but were unable to speak to him directly. Mark McInnes has always denied the claims made against him, and claimed the court action was an abuse of process. LEIGH SALES: The case ultimately settled out in court and the damages claim was dropped. KRISTY FRASER-KIRK: I have tried my best to have this manner resolved fairly and with justice. A figure that Ms Fraser-Kirk said she'd give to charity. When it wasn't resolved internally, she sued Mr McInnes, David Jones and its nine directors for $37 million dollars in punitive damages. LEIGH SALES: Kristy Fraser-Kirk was a 25-year-old publicity coordinator at David Jones when she complained about the behaviour of the company CEO, Mark McInnes, at two work events. Years before the MeToo movement, one workplace sexual harassment case had a seismic impact on corporate Australia. And of course, for every story that does capture the media's attention, there are countless more that don't. I've been covering them on 7.30 for more than a decade. LEIGH SALES, PRESENTER: One reason women are fed up is that stories of workplace harassment and violence come up all the time. KRISTY FRASER-KIRK: It seems like just yesterday, really. SUSAN SMITH: The girl was not raped and molested. MARGARET WILSON: The money makes her look more like a gold digger.įEMALE ON TELEPHONE: They've really started attacking her personally. MALE: Mr McInnes and the board agree that his employment be mutually terminated.įEMALE REPORTER: Kristy Fraser-Kirk is seeking $37 million dollars in compensation. MALE REPORTER: The 31-page statement of claim details allegations of the boss's public lustings, including groping and kissing, and repeated requests for sex at his Bondi apartment.įEMALE REPORTER: Mr McInnes resigned after admitting he had behaved in a manner unbecoming. KRISTY FRASER-KIRK: I'm a young woman standing here today, simply because I said it wasn't okay. MALE REPORTER: The retail giant David Jones has been slapped with a multimillion-dollar sexual harassment lawsuit.įEMALE REPORTER: The room was packed this morning as Kristy Fraser-Kirk had her first day in court.

Angry giant sexual