PwC embroiled in sex assault scandal as employee files lawsuit over co-worker’s alleged conduct
A PwC employee is suing the Big Four consultancy firm following allegations she was raped by a colleague after work drinks last year.
Police have investigated allegations but have not charged the male PwC employee after he was alleged to have sexually assaulted a female colleague in her home on August 25 last year.
The Australian Financial Review reports the woman is now suing the firm for damages under workplace laws.
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The lawsuit alleges multiple breaches of the Fair Work Act and claims the male colleague was involved in several previous work-related incidents in the lead-up to the alleged sexual assault at her home.
Justice Tom Thawley read out the woman’s allegations in the Federal Court, saying the man allegedly “pursued the applicant, followed her home before engaging in non-consensual intercourse.”
The alleged sexual assault occurred after staff left PwC’s Sydney offices before attending bars, such as PJ O’Brien’s.
It is further alleged the sexual assault was the third incident involving the man.
The complainant alleges that on July 21 the man touched her lower back and waist on July 21 while dancing at an after-work function.
It is further alleged that at a separate event, the man grabbed the woman’s hand before pushing it into his genitals.
NSW police have not laid any charges over the alleged conduct of the male employee.
“Following a report received in December 2023, officers from Eastern Suburbs Police Area Command conducted an investigation; to date, no charges have been laid,” they said.
PwC told the AFR it was “committed” to establishing a safe workplace while taking allegations involving staff safety “seriously”.
“We have policies and procedures in place to ensure complaints are investigated promptly and carefully while providing support and care to our people.”
They declined to comment on the proceeding as it was before the court.
It comes after some PwC partners were sent an anonymous letter in 2018 outlining alleged partner conduct, which included sexual harassment.
1800 Respect: 1800 737 732
