Page 306 - Week 01 - Thursday, 27 February 2014
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MS BURCH: Madam Speaker, I am sorry. Sometimes I do get distracted and I apologise for that.
MADAM SPEAKER: It happens to us all, Minister Burch.
MS BURCH: Thank you, Madam Speaker. We work very closely as a government. We have an absolutely clear commitment that there is no tolerance for bullying in a workplace. I think the reality in any institution and in any workplace is that, sadly, it may happen but, as a government, our principle is that there is no tolerance for bullying and workplace harassment.
As part of the response and the change of practice within CIT, following quite an extensive—I do not think members in this place can underestimate the level of interrogation and review that was undertaken through the commissioner and independent investigators through this process. Since September last year when the commissioner’s report was released, for example, Mr Gentleman, CIT has recruited and trained an additional 10 RED contact officers—that is, respect, equity and diversity officers—that are available to CIT staff across all campuses.
Prior to the commissioner’s report, CIT engaged independent external investigators that were involved. Again, as this works through—there are still a couple of outstanding matters so it will probably be next month when all matters are concluded—there be a complete set of findings. But CIT has made an absolute commitment that if any findings show there can be improved practice they will get on and implement that.
MADAM SPEAKER: Supplementary question, Mr Hanson
MR HANSON: Minister, how can this report be the final report when there are more cases still under investigation?
MS BURCH: The report I am referring to was from the ACT public service commissioner, who put his final report out in 2013. Within that report there are a number of matters that CIT needed to conclude investigations on. So they have been working with independent investigators to conclude that process. It is my understanding from the last time I spoke to CIT about that—their advice to me is that those matters will be concluded—
Mr Doszpot interjecting—
MADAM SPEAKER: Order, Mr Doszpot!
MS BURCH: by March. So the commissioner concluded his report. As a result of that, there are still some matters that are being worked through, including by some independent investigators. Some of those investigators could be the investigators who were part of the commissioner’s report. In short, we will come to the end of this process in March. Those actions that need to be done will be done.
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