SSC review a chance to make sure mistakes aren’t repeated

The Public Service Association (PSA) says the State Services Commission (SSC) review of how bullying and harassment complaints are handled is sorely needed to ensure all public servants are supported to challenge poor workplace behaviours.

Richard Wagstaff, PSA National Secretary, said “Mistakes were clearly made in the handling of the Roger Sutton case, and it is crucial that lessons are learned to avoid repeating them in the future,”

“Everyone should feel safe at work, and supported to make complaints where that safety is threatened.

“We welcome the chance to work on this review with the SSC on this important work on behalf of tens of thousands of PSA members working in the state sector.

“It is vital that the SSC gets this right, so that all staff can have trust and confidence in the system to defend them when they are the victim of harassment and bullying.

“When one third of public servants have been bullied in the last six months, clearly steps must be taken to address poor workplace culture.

“The PSA is producing materials which will be sent to members early in the New Year, which will be complemented by our work with the SSC on this review,” said Richard Wagstaff.

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