Page 4174 - Week 10 - Wednesday, 21 September 2011
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MR CORBELL: There are a series of reviews being undertaken, as Ms Hunter is aware, by the EPA and WorkSafe ACT. There is a joint investigation between the ACT Fire Brigade and ACT Policing which will result in a report to the coroner. All of these matters are going to be made public. Obviously, advice to the coroner is a matter for the coroner as to how she determines that information should be dealt with.
The government has already undertaken to review and release the results of the investigations by the EPA and by WorkSafe ACT. The government has also indicated that it will provide further advice on the results of the ESA’s post-action review. It is a normal course of action for an emergency services agency to look at how the response to the incident went and what issues have been identified as needing follow-up.
Canberra Institute of Technology—alleged bullying
MR DOSZPOT: My question is to the Chief Minister. Chief Minister, on 18 August this year, a constituent wrote to you in relation to the treatment his wife had experienced as a teacher at CIT and subsequently how her case was handled by Shared Services. In that letter he raised a number of issues and asked for your response. As of this morning, he has not had any response. When can he expect a response, Chief Minister?
MS GALLAGHER: I thank Mr Doszpot for the question. I am happy to follow that up. Usually we have a two-week turnaround on correspondence. If that has not been met then I apologise and I will find out what has happened.
MR SPEAKER: Mr Doszpot, a supplementary.
MR DOSZPOT: Chief Minister, have you referred this matter to the minister responsible for the CIT? If yes, when? If not, why not?
MS GALLAGHER: I will have to check the records within my office as to the referral nature of that. It may have been referred to CMCD. It may have been referred to CIT. I will have to check. I am happy to provide that information.
MR SPEAKER: Mr Seselja, a supplementary.
MR SESELJA: Chief Minister, given your government’s new stated intention to not tolerate bullying and harassment in the workplace, what assurances can you provide to current employees suffering bullying and harassment at CIT that their cases will be heard and treated fairly and sympathetically?
MS GALLAGHER: From my understanding, and I have taken advice on this issue, WorkSafe have been working and supporting CIT to make sure that their processes are appropriate to encourage staff to make complaints and have allegations of bullying and harassment heard in accordance with protocols at the CIT and in accordance with the law.
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