Former Cricket Tasmania employee seeks almost $1 million in damages over sexual harassment claims

A former Cricket Tasmania staff member who claims she was subject to unwelcome sexual harassment during her employment is seeking almost $1 million from the sporting body.

Renee Ferguson, in documents filed with the Federal Court, claims she was subjected to the harassment while she was working for Cricket Tasmania and, as a result, unable to engage in full-time work for the rest of her working lifetime.

Ferguson, who was employed by Cricket Tasmania between 2015 and late 2017, has already lodged a notice to the Court claiming she made four complaints to five different senior staff members, against three separate men, alleging sexual harassment in the workplace dating back to 2015.

In a document filed with the Court last Monday, Ferguson outlines that she is seeking $991,825 from Cricket Tasmania for a combination of economic loss and non-economic loss and medical expenses.

The document claims that Ferguson worked at a hearing clinic in 2018 and a hotel in 2019, but has not been able to engage in full-time work since then, due to mental health issues she developed as a result of her employment at Cricket Tasmania.

As reported by the ABC, Ferguson claims that she would be unable to engage in continuous full-time employment for the remainder of her working life and is therefore facing an economic loss of more than $785,000.

She is also claiming $100,000 for the "past and future pain, loss of enjoyment of life, hurt, humiliation, panic, feelings of being powerless, embarrassment, anxious, deeply uncomfortable, distressed, intimidated and fearful for her future employment and future careers".

The documents state the amount sought also reflects the "sustained unwelcomed and inappropriate" sexual harassment Ferguson endured, despite Cricket Tasmania being made aware of her allegations.

Ferguson is also claiming more than $105,000 for total past and future medical expenses, namely treatment for her ongoing psychological issues.

The matter does not relate to a widely reported series of text message exchanges between Ferguson and former Australian cricket captain Tim Paine.

Mediation for the two parties has been set for 17th March, despite Cricket Tasmania's lawyers previously expressing doubt that an outcome would be reached that way.

Cricket Tasmania is reported to have not yet filed a defence.

Lower image: Renee Ferguson. Credit: Renee Ferguson.