[Greens-Media] Media Release: WorkCover bullying to be investigated by the NSW Parliament

[David Shoebridge]

WorkCover bullying to be investigated by the NSW Parliament
Media Release
27 June 2013

The Greens NSW welcomed today's Upper House vote that established a Parliamentary Inquiry into bullying within WorkCover. The vote in support of the Green's motion to establish the inquiry came after the finding on Friday in the NSW Industrial Relations Commission that WorkCover had systematically bullied a senior employee out of his job.

Full text of motion is below.

Greens NSW MP and Industrial Relations spokesperson David Shoebridge said:

"We are extremely pleased to see the Government support this long overdue Parliamentary inquiry.

"It is completely unacceptable to have ongoing bullying in WorkCover which is the Government body tasked with protecting all employees from harassment in the workplace.

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

"There have been ongoing concerns within WorkCover of systematic bullying and mistreatment of staff for years, 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.

"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.

"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.

"I look forward to this inquiry being a truly independent review of WorkCover's culture, and a chance for a fresh start for many long-suffering employees there," Mr Shoebridge said.

Media contact:  9230 3030



[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.