Bullying review lashed

Unions, psychologist call for transparency in process

GEELONG council’s selfadministered bullying “review” has been slammed for its lack of detail.

Chief executive Martin Cutter announced in May he would review the processes for dealing with bullying and harassment at the City of Greater Geelong, after a long list of organisations and individuals raised concerns of an ongoing culture of bullying.

Mr Cutter was this week unable to give firm details on what actions had been taken in the two months since his announcement, with his response labelled “computer generated” and “meaningless” by critics.

When asked what actions had been taken, he said: “Over the last two months a review system has been established that will look at our structures, our processes and our capabilities to support staff”.

He also said council’s goal was to “be a clever and creative organisation that is forwardlooking, adaptive and caring for our people and our community”.

The response was slammed by the union for council workers and the psychologist who helped spark the investigation that saw the council sacked for bullying in 2016.

“The reply received from Mr Cutter speaks volumes. A computer generated, meaningless response that does nothing to address the concerns raised by the very staff he mentions,” Australian Services Union spokesman Mark Brady said.

“Staff want decisive action from those who are appointed to lead the city.

“While Mr Cutter continues to make these bland, overarching statements, as a way, it seems, to try and placate the councillors and the Addy, it’s the staff on the ground that continue to suffer due to a lack of change and accountability.”

Psychologist Gary McMullen first raised concerns around bullying at Geelong in 2015 while treating City Hall employees for depression, anxiety and other mental health conditions resulting from bullying by their superiors.

The psychologist — who still treats city workers — said he held “a number of concerns” around the chief executive’s apparent review.

“It is unfortunate the process does not appear to be open and transparent, none of my contacts have mentioned it nor apparently know anything about it,” Mr McMullen said.

“Fundamental questions need to be answered.

“A bullying culture thrives in an environment where there is a lack of transparency and accountability — it is clear that CoGG continues to have a culture.

“I am concerned that the leadership group is at risk of not being told the complete story because bullies and/or their mates remain in positions of influence and power.”

Last month the Geelong Advertiser revealed internal emails from Mr Cutter admitting to a “long” list of bullying investigations at City Hall from recent years, and is now moving to protect the organisation’s “brand”.

The council has repeatedly refused to reveal how many bullying complaints it had received from staff since January last year. seriously flawed