Investigations launched after complaint of sexual harassment against South Australian magistrate

Two investigations have been launched after a woman complained she was sexually harassed by a South Australian magistrate.

The woman made the complaint in a survey conducted as part of a review into sexual harassment within the state’s legal profession.

Chief Justice Chris Kourakis then urged her to formalise the complaint and the woman, who he revealed today as lawyer Alice Bitmead, contacted him last Tuesday.

He then referred the matter to Judicial Conduct Commissioner Ann Vanstone.

“The investigation of that matter is now the responsibility of the Judicial Conduct Commissioner,” Chief Justice Kourakis said.

“I am investigating why the matter was not brought to my attention soon after the events complained of.

“Whether or not the judicial officer against whom the complaint was made should continue to sit requires a consideration of the conduct involved.”

Ms Vanstone said she appreciated Ms Bitmead coming forward and making the complaint to the Chief Justice.

She said her first step would be to conduct a preliminary investigation.

“I have already commenced that,” she said.

“I expect to finish it quite quickly, as long as I can speak to the people I need to.”

She said a decision about whether the magistrate would continue to sit during the investigation was a matter for Chief Magistrate Mary-Louise Hribal.