[Greens-Media] Media release: Inquiry needed to properly uncover WorkCover bullies

[David Shoebridge]

Inquiry needed to properly uncover WorkCover bullies
Media Release
25 June 2013

Following the finding on Friday in the NSW Industrial Relations Commission that WorkCover had systematically bullied a senior employee out of his job, the Greens NSW today called in Parliament to establish a Parliamentary Inquiry into bullying within WorkCover.

Full text of motion is below.

Greens NSW MP and Industrial Relations spokesperson David Shoebridge said:

"This most recent finding by the Industrial Relations Commission raise serious concerns about the culture of WorkCover.

"There have been ongoing concerns within WorkCover of systematic bullying and mistreatment of staff, yet despite reviews and promises it seems nothing has changed.

"In 2011 a report by Pricewaterhouse Coopers uncovered that 40% of WorkCover employees reported experiencing harassment and bullying in their workplace.

"WorkCover is responsible for handling operational health and safety in workplaces across NSW, including claims of bullying and harassment.

"WorkCover handles more than 5,000 claims about bullying per year, but with the regulator accused of bullying within its own ranks, it is hard to see how workers could have confidence in its ability to handle their claims.

"The O'Farrell Government has massively gouged the Workers Compensation scheme in NSW, yet to date has been unwilling to address the bullying happening in this fairness arbiter.

"Given last week's finding by the IRC, it is clear that the recommendations of the previous report were either insufficient or have been inadequately implemented.

"Rather than just another consultants review, what is needed now is a truly independent examination of the culture within WorkCover, and how this systematic bullying can be rooted out.

"Someone genuinely independent needs to shine a strong light on the internal workings of WorkCover.

"In light of this the Greens NSW are calling on all parties to support the call for an urgent Parliamentary inquiry into bullying at WorkCover," Mr Shoebridge said.


Media contact:  9230 3030 / 0433 753 376



[Description: Description: Parliament Crest_Black]
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
NOTICE OF MOTION

Mr Shoebridge says-

Mr PRESIDENT:

I give notice that on the next sitting day I will move:

1.            That this House notes that:

(a)          on Friday 21 June 2013, the NSW Industrial Relations Commission handed down a finding that WorkCover had systematically bullied a senior employee out of his job,

(b)          the court found that WorkCover's actions in this case had all ''the characterisation of institutional bullying'', and

(c)           WorkCover has previously been investigated following complaints of bullying, and the 2011 Pricewaterhouse Coopers report into the organisation found that 40 per cent of staff reported being bullied or harassed.

2.         That General Purpose Standing Committee No. 1 inquire into and report on allegations of bullying in WorkCover, and in particular:

(a)           the culture of WorkCover,

(b)          WorkCover's role as the State Regulator of occupational health and safety as it relates to bullying in the workplace,

(c)           appropriate recommendations to address issues raised; and

(d)          any other related matter.



Kym Chapple
Policy and Legislation Advisor
Office of Greens MP David Shoebridge
P: (02) 9230 3030|M: 0433 680 244|T: @kymtje<http://twitter.com/#!/thebigriboldi>
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