A former Brisbane restaurant owner has been ordered to pay $255,000 in damages to a former employee after the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission found that she was subjected to a prolonged and serious campaign of se-xual harassment.

The ruling was handed down by Commissioner Daniel Pratt on August 21, 2026, in proceedings involving Rojal Basnet, the former owner of the Nepalese restaurant Mountain Bliss at Stones Corner, and former employee Sunita Pariyar. The commission found that Basnet's conduct amounted to s-exual harassment, direct s-ex discrimination and victimisation.

According to the published decision details, the harassment began with unwanted comments and advances toward Pariyar. The conduct later escalated to unwanted physical contact, including groping and kissing. The commission also heard allegations concerning an incident in which Basnet unlawfully entered Pariyar's home while she was sleeping.

The commission found that the conduct had a profound impact on Pariyar. Commissioner Pratt concluded that she had suffered serious psychological harm and that the consequences could be long-lasting. The damages award included $35,000 in aggravated damages, reflecting the severity of the circumstances and the additional harm caused by the conduct.

The commission also considered an earlier criminal case involving Basnet. In July 2025, he pleaded guilty in Brisbane Magistrates Court to unlawful entry into Pariyar's home and assault. He received a one-year sentence with immediate parole. The published ruling also refers to an earlier assault matter involving Pariyar's husband.

During the industrial-relations proceedings, Basnet disputed the allegations and claimed that he and Pariyar had been involved in a secret relationship. Pariyar rejected that claim, stating that their relationship was solely that of employer and employee. Commissioner Pratt rejected Basnet's version and found Pariyar's evidence credible.

The commission heard that Pariyar had sought approximately $300,750 in damages. The final award of $255,000 reflects the commission's assessment of the harm and circumstances established during the proceedings. The decision described the impact of the harassment as severe and life-changing.

The case highlights the serious legal consequences that can arise from workplace se-xual harassment, discrimination and victimisation. Australian workplace laws provide protections for employees against unwelcome se-xual conduct and discriminatory treatment, and serious cases can result in significant compensation orders.

The ruling is a civil and industrial-relations decision rather than a new police incident. It has nevertheless attracted attention because of the serious allegations, the previous criminal proceedings and the substantial damages awarded.

The case also demonstrates that workplace harassment can extend beyond the workplace itself when conduct becomes threatening or invasive. The commission considered both the workplace behaviour and the broader impact on Pariyar's safety and wellbeing.

The findings reported here are based on the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission proceedings and media reports published around the ruling. The allegations and findings should be distinguished from any separate criminal charges or convictions.