This is certainly not the worst of worst situations, and I almost hate to bother you all when there are so many worse situations, but if you can offer some advice, I'd really appreciate it.

I have a mate (yes, actually a mate, not myself) who has given notice at his workplace. After having given notice, his project manager has accused him of not being at work on time. This was then escalated to HR. He was easily able to provide evidence (online chat record between them tagged at the workplace at the particular time).

After a few days, the HR manager came to him and said, and this is a quote,

"Do you want an apology from <project manager>, because she is a woman"

He said "I beg your pardon?"

The HR manager told him he will not get an apology. After some back-peddling, he was told "well, it was a group effort she was just the messenger"

My friend then went and spoke to the director of the company, who simply didn't care, since my friend had given his notice.

So...

My question is; who should he go to? Surely there is SOME authority who cares? Hoping to restore some faith in humanity here!

Edit: We're in Victoria.