Sexual harassment claims at Sovereign Hill, Victoria

A third woman has come forward alleging sexual harassment while working at Victoria’s tourism drawcard Sovereign Hill. 

Two men have been investigated over sexual misconduct claims in 2016 and 2017, the outdoor museum revealed on Wednesday as police investigated allegations of groping and exposure.

A third woman has since come forward claiming she was dismissed after fending off a man who invaded her personal space, Fairfax Media reported. 

Sovereign Hill Museums Association boss Jeremy Johnson earlier told reporters a male employee was stood down following an independent investigation in 2016.

Mr Johnson said a second man accused of inappropriate behaviour in 2017 was on leave and police were investigating.

The museum had fallen short of its duty to provide workers with a safe workplace, the Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance said.

The union had represented several members who worked at Sovereign Hill and were unsurprised by the claims.

Sovereign Hill Museums Association (pictured) boss Jeremy Johnson earlier told reporters a male employee was stood down following an independent investigation in 2016

The union had represented several members who worked at Sovereign Hill (pictured) and were unsurprised by the claims

‘We commend the bravery of these women for taking a stand against sexual harassment and assault and will continue to offer our members whatever support they need,’ MEAA Victorian regional director Adam Portelli said.

Sovereign Hill disputed claims there was a culture of misogyny at the outdoor museum and that it failed to provide a safe workplace. 

‘The potential for discrimination and harassment to arise in the workplace is a threat for any organisation and Sovereign Hill takes the issue extremely seriously,’ Mr Johnson said.