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Bass Coast And Worksafe Strive For Best Practice

Representatives from WorkSafe visited Bass Coast today to make a special presentation to Council.

By Bass Coast Shire Council - 23rd May 2006 - Back to News

Bass Coast Mayor, Cr Neville Goodwin, said the presentation from WorkSafe was one of a number of initiatives that Council had put in place to deal with issues surrounding the staff deputation last month.

"When the Council accepted the recommendations as part of the staff deputation, we made a firm commitment to improving our situation," said Cr Goodwin.

"If we don’t deal with the allegations of bullying and intimidation that have been raised, it not only reflects badly on us, but on this area in general.

"Our community is one which values decency and honesty," said Cr Goodwin.

The Municipal Assocation of Victoria (MAV) has spoken out on numerous occasions, criticising intimidating behaviour on councils, stating that there is no place for violence or bullying within local government.

The purpose of the meeting today was to outline suggestions for improving processes around communication between councillors and staff.

Cr Goodwin said that following today’s presentation WorkSafe issued two notices of improvement making a number of clear recommendations, including:

• Conduct a detailed risk assessment to identify, assess and control all risks associated with bullying type behaviours.
• Improve communication by developing and putting in place some controls; and
• Review policies and procedures for interactions between all persons conducting business on behalf of Council – Councillors, employees, contractors, volunteers.

WorkSafe will continue to work with Council on these issues. The WorkSafe notices set out what Council needs to do to comply with the relevant legislation. These actions are required to be completed within two months.

"Council welcomes the recommendations from WorkSafe," said Cr Goodwin.

"The notices of improvement provide a clear direction, as well as a firm structure for how and when these improvements need to take place.

"It is the responsibility of local government to lead the way in WorkSafe practices, and this is what we intend to do," Cr Goodwin continued.

"Nobody is a winner when there are these sorts of allegations circulating.

Cr Goodwin said bullying and intimidation were health and safety issues, which were being addressed through a number of forums. These include the new Code of Conduct, adopted by Council at the meeting on 17 May, as well as the ongoing collaboration with WorkSafe.

"Bass Coast is dealing with its issues and moving forward.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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