Victoria's Supreme Court Chief Justice apologises after investigation finds women were sexually harassed by judge

Victoria's Supreme Court Chief Justice has apologised and vowed to work to prevent harassment and discrimination after an investigation found two women were sexually harassed while working with a judge.

The investigation, which was led by barrister Kate Eastman, SC, in response to the women's complaints in March last year, has determined the women experienced unwelcome sexual advances from retired judge Paul Vickery when they were his associates.

It further found he subjected the women, who were aged 21 and 26 at the time, to unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature and unfavourable treatment in their employment because they were women.

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Chief Justice Anne Ferguson has issued a statement denouncing the behaviour of the judge involved as "wrong and reprehensible".

"I am profoundly sorry that the behaviour the women endured occurred," she said in the statement.

"It should never have happened.

"Every person who works in and with our Court has a right to feel safe.

"They must be able to feel that they are respected and can trust everyone in their workplace."

Mr Vickery, who is now aged 72, has since released a statement extending his "sincere apologies" to the women "for any distress unknowingly caused" while maintaining his innocence.

"I never for a second believed that anything I did may have hurt two of them," he said in his statement.

The report from the investigation into the harassment noted the significant power imbalance between Mr Vickery and the women.

"The employees experienced panic, feelings of being powerless, embarrassed, trapped, anxious, deeply uncomfortable, distressed, intimidated and fearful for their employment and future careers," Justice Ferguson said.

The Chief Justice has used her statement to emphasise the court is doing more than just apologising for the past.

"Apologies are not enough," she said.

"The responsibility to change culture and put measures in place to stop it happening lies with us.

"We are taking action to prevent sexual harassment and discrimination in our Court."

Justice Ferguson said all complaints would be investigated and all complainants would be supported and treated fairly.

In August 2020, Justice Ferguson with the then Attorney-General commissioned a review into sexual harassment in the Victorian courts and VCAT by Dr Helen Szoke.

It set out recommendations to prevent sexual harassment, improve reporting and support for those who experience sexual harassment, raise awareness, and ensure accountability across Victoria's courts and VCAT.

Justice Ferguson said the court was committed to implementing the recommendations and had begun doing so.