Page 3768 - Week 12 - Thursday, 24 October 2013
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video
MS BURCH: I present a copy of the statement:
Canberra Institute of Technology—Allegations of workplace bullying and misconduct—Ministerial statement, 24 October 2013.
I move:
That the Assembly takes note of the paper.
On Thursday, 26 September the Commissioner for Public Administration published his report of the review of allegations of workplace bullying and other misconduct at the Canberra Institute of Technology, Colleagues, not cases: managing people and resolving workplace issues.
This is a long-awaited and welcomed report. The commissioner conducted the review after consultation with the CIT chief executive, the Chief Minister and the Minister for Education and Training, following the release of the WorkSafe ACT report in April 2012. The report provides a systemic review of concerns raised about CIT’s management of workplace issues, allegations of bullying or other misconduct, and its employees. It seeks to draw learnings for CIT and the wider ACT public service that might inform and improve ongoing management practices.
The commission found that CIT is not—I repeat: not—characterised by a culture of entrenched and systemic bullying. The report did identify some issues in relation to a small number of individuals and particular areas within CIT, some of which reopened historical matters and decisions made 10 years ago. The commissioner was clear in his report that those concerned should not be allowed to taint the whole organisation and that CIT staff members, almost without exception, are professional, behave properly, and are dedicated to the advancement of their students and the success of CIT.
The commission made nine recommendations. CIT has welcomed the report and has accepted all of the recommendations. Of these, two relate particularly to CIT. Recommendation 1 was:
That CIT acknowledge and apologise for past failures in the management of a small number of areas within CIT when dealing with workplace issues and when dealing with allegations of workplace bullying, and recommit itself to fostering positive workplaces with healthy workforce cultures. In so doing, CIT should continue to resource and consistently apply the initiatives set out in its response to the WorkSafe report of April 2012.
Recommendation 4 noted:
That CIT appoint additional Respect, Equity and Diversity contact officers in accordance with the RED Framework to support implementation of the framework and assist in the resolution of workplace issues.
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video