Vic judge sexually harassed women staff

Chief Justice Anne Ferguson
Chief Justice Anne Ferguson is "profoundly sorry" for a judge's sexual harassment of two women. -PR Handout Image

Victoria's top judge is "profoundly sorry" for the sexual harassment of two women by a now-retired judge but says apologies are not enough.

The retired judge was found to have sexually harassed two female associates who worked for him.

The Supreme Court received final reports into allegations by two women earlier this month.

The judge has not been identified to protect the women.

Chief Justice Anne Ferguson on Thursday thanked the women for coming forward.

She said the women experienced panic, feelings of powerlessness and were fearful of their employment and future careers because of the "wrong and reprehensible" conduct of the judge.

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

"As I read the reports I was struck by the horrible impact of these actions."

Sydney barrister Kate Eastman SC interviewed both women and the judge, who retired before the investigation began.

The reports found the judge kissed the women and put his hands between one woman's thighs after a dinner, The Age newspaper reported.

The judge reportedly claimed he fell in love with one of the women, writing to her in an email at her new workplace that "if falling in love with you was and remains a crime, I am guilty".

Ms Eastman found the women had experienced unwanted sexual advances, unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature and had received unfavourable treatment on the basis of their sex.

"The reports found the actions of the judge were a serious transgression of appropriate professional boundaries," Chief Justice Ferguson said.

"The reports noted the significant power imbalance between the employees and the judge."

Chief Justice Ferguson said apologies were not enough and unacceptable behaviour must stop.

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

A report by former Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commissioner Helen Szoke into sexual harassment in Victorian Courts made a series of recommendations last year which have all been accepted.