The inquiry came about thanks to a push from the Greens following a slamming of the work, health and safety regulator by the Industrial Relations Commission for its treatment of a senior employee who was bullied from his position.
Deputy Industrial Relations Commission President Harrison’s decision in relation to the PSA’s unfair dismissal application was scathing of WorkCover.
It was ordered that the member be re-instated with no detriment in a decision which was wholly damning of the manner in which the disciplinary matter had been handled.
DP Harrison stated that in all his time on the bench he struggled to find an example where someone was dealt with in a more unjust manner and that WorkCover’s handling of the matter was an “absolute disgrace”.
DP Harrison further stated that the conduct by WorkCover was “shabby and disgraceful. It lacks any objectivity and has the characterisation of institutional bullying.”
The episode comes despite WorkCover making the headlines in relation to a culture of bullying in 2011.
In response to this latest incident, the NSW Greens called for the establishment of a Parliamentary Inquiry into bullying within 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,” said Greens NSW MP and Industrial Relations spokesperson David Shoebridge.
“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 regulating occupational 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 the recent 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 consultant’s 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.”
And they are about to.
Delegates have met and called for action to be taken following the decision of the Industrial Relations Commission in the bullying case.
They are understandably concerned about the integrity of any internal investigation.
And who could blame them.