The State Services Commission's handling of the Roger Sutton case has made it more difficult for future sexual harassment complainants to come forward, according to a union leader.
The Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority (CERA) chief executive announced his resignation on Monday and has made claims about the nature of the conduct for which he was investigated, despite confidentiality agreements.
Public Service Association (PSA) national secretary Erin Polaschuk said the fact that Mr Sutton was able to speak publicly about the case has made life harder for the complainant.
She told Morning Report the commission has failed to acknowledge how difficult it would be for her to make the complaint.
Mr Rennie has himself been criticised for the way he has handled the case, but has State Services Minister Paul Bennett's backing.
Equal Employment Opportunities Commissioner Jackie Blue wants answers from Mr Rennie about his handling of the complaint and said Mr Sutton should not have been allowed to make public comments that seemed to trivialise the matter.