Tuesday, 30 August 2022

Victoria Police workplace safety

Mr QUILTY (Northern Victoria) (12:01): My question is for the minister representing the Minister for Police. I was recently given a folder with details of the bullying and sexual harassment of a female police officer in Wodonga. █████████████ Nicole ██████ was subjected to bullying and sexual harassment by her direct male report. This harassment included deliberately isolating Nicole from her workmates, trying to create divisive situations and directly belittling her. This treatment only got worse after Nicole reported it. Eleven of the bullying allegations were substantiated in the police internal investigation, and assurances were given that the offender would be transferred and have no further interaction with Nicole. Instead he was moved to Wodonga, the same station as Nicole, where the harassment only intensified. The inability or the refusal to protect Nicole even after the allegations were found to be substantiated goes directly to the Victoria Police attitude towards anyone who dares to make a complaint. Minister, will you make it safe for women to come forward and report unacceptable and demeaning behaviour experienced in the Victorian police force?

Ms TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education, Minister for Agriculture) (12:02): Again Mr Quilty has come in here and made some very serious allegations. Again I would say to him that if he is wanting to pursue this line he should do it via a substantive motion and/or report it to IBAC, or there are a whole range of other avenues that can be dealt with. Beyond that, I will refer this matter to the Minister for Police for a response.

Mr QUILTY (Northern Victoria) (12:02): The bullying claims were substantiated, while the sexual harassment ones were buried in the investigation. The internal investigation that substantiated the complaints agreed that Nicole had been significantly impacted to the point where she had to seek medical and psychological assistance. The behaviour towards Nicole also impacted her family life. Nicole was forced out of the police force, while the perpetrator was counselled and coached and has now been promoted. We are constantly hearing about staff shortages at the Wodonga police station because of the numbers of officers on stress leave. No wonder there is a problem. I find it extraordinary that victims are driven out and the perpetrators are promoted. Minister, what will you do to ensure victims are protected and perpetrators held to account?

Ms TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education, Minister for Agriculture) (12:03): I will take that on notice.