The $37 million sexual harassment lawsuit brought against iconic retailer David Jones has not only dented its name, but served notice on the boys club at the big end of town, writes Jordan Baker. Yet the bigger issue remains – why does harassment still happen?
They’re known as the Masters of the Universe, the chummy clique of corporate princes who run the business world, yet even the most masterful among them would have envied Mark McInnes. By age 45, the young chief executive was a runaway success. He had restored the dignity and profitability of one of Australia’s most hallowed brands, David Jones, and was richly rewarded for his efforts. He was wealthy, charming and feted by celebrities, socialites and fashion designers.
In pictures: David Jones Spring Summer Launch
To his high-flying mates in the testosterone-laden worlds of mining and banking, one of the most enviable perks of Mark’s job was his proximity to beautiful women. He was surrounded by them; from the assistants at the cosmetics counter to models at star-studded fashion parades, where the likes of Miranda Kerr, Megan Gale and Natalie Imbruglia would hang off his arm.
It was a dream job – and he threw it away. At two work-related events this year, Mark propositioned a junior staffer, Kristy Fraser-Kirk. The 27-year-old says he slipped his hand under her blouse, touched her bra strap and tried to kiss her. He invited her back to his flat, even though his partner was pregnant. She turned him down and she claims he tried again. Kristy alleges he told her he had passed up sex with another woman so he could have it with her.
After Kristy complained to her bosses and eventually brought in her lawyers, Mark resigned. Humiliated, shamed and unemployed, he slipped out of the country as his disgrace became known.
The circumstances surrounding Mark McInnes’ fall from grace at David Jones have been extraordinary, but his actions themselves were not. From the factory floor to boardrooms, most working women have stories about harassment from bosses or co-workers. Their tales range from sleazy to criminal and the only common denominator is that most are swept under the carpet by women who are too frightened of losing their job or damaging their career to object.
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Read more of this story in the September issue ofThe Australian Women’s Weekly
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