Allegations former High Court justice Dyson Heydon sexually harassed colleagues were a turning point for the legal sector, the woman heading an inquiry into Victoria's courts believes.
The allegations, revealed by the court in June, prompted Victoria's Chief Justice Anne Ferguson and Attorney-General Jill Hennessy to announce a proactive investigation into harassment in Victoria's legal sector.
It will be headed by Helen Szoke, who praised swift action to address the "wicked problem" that that goes unreported in many workplaces.
She says complaints about harassment by Mr Heydon - which he rejects - prompted a push for cultural change among many in the industry.
"People we've spoken to have said that's not the standard we want to be held to - we want to be working toward some positive changes," she told AAP on Wednesday.
"I think there is enormous commitment and enormous energy (for change) so courts can be a really productive place into the future."
Her inquiry has already included a series of roundtable discussions with regular court users including judges, lawyers, police and the public.
It includes consideration of preventative measures, improved reporting of harassment and better support for people who come forward.
Multiple complaints processes currently exist, including through occupational health and safety complaints, human rights complaints and to judicial and legal bodies for allegations involving judges and lawyers.
Dr Szoke said multiple processes with their own consequences might not be a bad thing.
Other options are being considered, including for people who want to stop the behaviour without a formal complaint, and allowing people to speak up without detrimental treatment.
The next stage of the inquiry is to hear from victims of harassment, through confidential submissions.
Individual stories won't be investigated, but Dr Szoke will look at de-identified stories from people about their experiences with harassment in the courts.
The turnaround is quick, with submissions closing at the end of October.
A final report will be presented to Justice Ferguson and the government in February and will be released publicly.
