Legal action launched
Officeworks has reportedly engaged lawyers from the prestigious international firm Herbert Smith Freehills to represent it in the case.
A Jewish customer who was subjected to antisemitic discrimination at Officeworks’ Elsternwick store in March is proceeding with legal action against the company.
The man, who does not wish to be named, is taking Officeworks to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT).
Officeworks has reportedly engaged lawyers from the prestigious international firm Herbert Smith Freehills to represent it in the case.
The firm is one of the “big six” top Australian law firms, with a gross revenue of $1.46 billion a year.
The customer responded to this move by saying, “Officeworks and Wesfarmers are free to engage any lawyers they wish. It’s clear that they want to fight this case and don’t accept that what occurred is unlawful discrimination and antisemitism.”
The customer, who said he has not received a personal apology from the staff member involved, is challenging Officeworks’ handling of the incident, which he argues is a serious case of unlawful discrimination.
“Officeworks has not taken responsibility for its actions. Although publicly [they] have made some empty apology, they are refusing to accept that what occurred is a serious example of unlawful discrimination and, instead, continue to treat the incident as a customer feedback and public relations issue,” he said.
Jewish community organisations like the Melbourne Holocaust Museum and the Jewish Community Council of Victoria (JCCV) have approached the issue by emphasising the importance of education in fighting discrimination.
JCCV CEO Naomi Levin has met with Officeworks managing director Sarah Hunter, who said the company is committed to finding a way to do more to educate staff on antisemitism.
Levin said, “I pledged the JCCV’s support for this mission. I genuinely believe that education and awareness – rather than punishment – will create lasting change.”
However, the customer remains firm on the need for accountability, saying, “Education is important, especially to ensure that the wider community understands the seriousness of antisemitism and the impact it has on Jewish people. However, this does not excuse Officeworks’ conduct.”
While the VCAT hearing date has not yet been set, the anonymous customer remains determined to pursue the case to ensure “justice is served and Officeworks is held to account”.
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