We normally focus on the tense negotiations and courtroom battles between plaintiff lawyers and defendants. For our clients, however, that's just one aspect of a compensation claim. Many are dealing with complex trauma, and the justice system is full of triggers. In the final episode of season two, Restitution speaks to Karen Spitz, lead counsellor at Shine Lawyers. It's her job to help clients like Julia Reid safely navigate the litigation process. 

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When Perlita Golding moved to Australia from the Philippines, the single mother began working at a Brisbane laundromat. She had limited English and needed enough shifts to support her family. Her boss, Ian Sippel, took advantage of Perlita's vulnerable position. But when Perlita took her case to the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission, she discovered victims of sexual harassment in the sunshine state receive minimal compensation compared to other jurisdictions. It was an injustice Perlita refused to accept. 

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A cheaper alternative to marble and granite, engineered stone is an increasingly popular choice for Australians looking to renovate their kitchens and bathrooms. Once it's installed, it poses no risk to your health. But the workers who manufacture the stuff on the factory floor are getting sick. Silicosis, a deadly dust disease, is cutting short the lives of stonemasons. In this episode: workers and lawyers unite to demand change from employers and legislators. 

Credits:

Host & Executive Producer: David Lewis

Artwork: Paolo Lim

Sound Design: Output Media 

Sound Recording: River City Studios and Castaway Studios

Restitution is a podcast by Shine Lawyers, inspired by the book The Right Side of Wrong by firm co-founder Stephen Roche. 

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