Former Victorian Supreme Court judge Peter Vickery names himself as subject of sexual harassment investigation

An investigation found two women were sexually harassed and discriminated against by a former judge. (ABC News: Demi Lynch)

Peter Vickery QC has named himself as the Victorian judge found through an investigation to have sexually harassed and discriminated against two women working as judge's associates.

Complaints were made by the women to the Victorian Supreme Court in March 2021, prompting the investigation.

Sydney barrister Kate Eastman interviewed the former employees and the former judge and found that the women were subjected to unwanted sexual advances and unfavourable treatment on the basis of sex.

Ms Eastman's report found the actions of the judge were "a serious transgression of appropriate professional boundaries".

Mr Vickery released a statement on his website in which he apologised to the victims "for any distress unknowingly caused".

"I never for a second believed that anything I did may have hurt two of them," he wrote.

"I accept that I should have been more alert to this possibility. Had I possessed sufficient awareness, without hesitation I would have altered my behaviour.

Former Victorian Supreme Court Judge Peter Vickery named himself as the subject of the investigation. (Supplied)

Mr Vickery went on to say the investigation and two reports "have serious shortcomings", and the results were not legally binding.

"It was a novel process conducted outside Victorian legislation and outside the protections usually provided to citizens in these matters," he wrote.

He said his right to privacy was sacrificed in the investigation process, and criticised the court for permitting "public comment about the reports".

In his statement, Mr Vickery said he had "maintained innocence of any wrongdoing".

Supreme Court Chief Justice reacts to findings

Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Victoria, Anne Ferguson, said in a statement that she was profoundly sorry for what the women endured.

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

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

The statement from Ms Ferguson does not mention what further action will be taken as a result of the investigation.

Ms Eastman's report follows a review into sexual harassment in the Victorian courts and VCAT by former Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commissioner Helen Szoke, which was completed last year.