By Laura Michell
A WorkSafe investigation has found Whittlesea council is striving to provide a workplace free from bullying.
WorkSafe conducted an investigation following media reports of alleged workplace bullying at the council last year.
As reported by Star Weekly, the council released a probity auditor’s report last September, which stated Cr Mary Lalios made a complaint against council chief executive Simon Overland, “asserting that she had been bullied by him”.
It followed a written warning from Mr Overland about Cr Lalios’ behaviour at a public meeting in April.
The auditor’s report – by Frances O’Brien QC – was released alongside a report by independent investigator Naomi Lenga.
Ms Lenga dismissed the bullying claim.
In the weeks following the report’s release, some councillors claimed there was a bullying problem at the council.
However a report from WorkSafe, which was released by the council earlier this month, stated the council was meeting its obligations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act to provide a safe working environment, free from workplace bullying and other unacceptable workplace behaviours.
WorkSafe also found that the council had “thorough policies and procedures” in place to prevent and respond to allegations of unacceptable workplace behaviour, and that Mr Overland acted appropriately and in a timely manner by requesting an independent investigation into the allegations of bullying.
WorkSafe recommended the council consider adding further information to the Councillor Code of Conduct on inappropriate workplace behaviours.
Mayor Lawrie Cox said the WorkSafe investigation was instigated by councillors, who made allegations of bullying by councillors and council officers in the media.
He said the council had chosen to release the WorkSafe report because it was in the public’s interest. “We get accused of secrecy too much,” he said.
