PROBE REVIEW
Complainant calls for reform
THE woman whose complaint about sexual harassment at the Ashley Youth Detention Centre has sparked a fresh inquiry says there must be significant and drastic reform to the way the State Service handles cases.
Premier Peter Gutwein on Tuesday apologised, announced a fresh inquiry into the allegations and said he would meet the woman on Wednesday. She says she is staggered at how badly her complaint was handled.
“If being referred to as a Japanese f..k doll in a room full of my senior colleagues – and as a senior staff member myself – does not constitute a breach of the state code of conduct, I cannot for the life of me understand what would,” she said.
THE woman whose complaint about sexual harassment at the Ashley Youth Detention Centre has sparked a fresh inquiry says there must be significant and drastic reform to the way the state service handles cases.
Premier Peter Gutwein (pictured), on Tuesday apologised, announced a fresh inquiry into the allegations and said he would on Wednesday meet the woman, who asked to be called Alysha.
She says she is staggered at how badly her complaint was handled.
“If being referred to as a Japanese f..k doll in a room full of my senior colleagues – and as a senior staff member myself – does not constitute a breach of the State Code of Conduct, I cannot for the life of me understand what would,” she said.
“Hopefully, Mr Gutwein can provide me some insight into how that determination was reached, because I can’t wrap my head around it.”
Alysha said she was still coming to terms with the events of the past 24 hours – after finding out her complaint had been rejected when it was revealed at a parliamentary estimates committee hearing.
“Yesterday was one of the most shocking days of my adult life … at the end of a process that has left me feeling quite objectified and exhausted,” she said.
“From where I’m standing after yesterday, at the end of a 22-month investigation I would dissuade people, honestly, if it was about their wellbeing and health and looking after themselves, the process that is currently in place is ridiculously harmful.
“And I understand fully why women feel like there is significant risk to their career and themselves by reporting these matters.”
And she said the handling of her complaint not only fell short of any reasonable standard – but she was subject to further retaliation.
“I had trusted that State Service would prioritise my safety and a thorough, independent and timely investigation would ensue,” she said.
“Instead, I was told by a HR manager that I needed to work in the next office to the accused, because the person who I had reported for sexual harassment did not approve of me moving. Approximately six months after first reporting this, I was informed that my complaint had been substantiated to the point that it was now being treated as a possible breach of the state code of conduct and another investigation was submitted.
“I was prolifically bullied following reporting this.”
But she said she was told she could not know the outcome of her complaint because it was confidential.
Earlier, Alysha attended proceedings in the parliamentary Estimates Hearings where Mr Gutwein apologised for Monday’s announcement and promised a fresh inquiry will examine her claims.
“In terms of what occurred yesterday, with Alysha here in the chamber, I want to apologise for what was a misstep,” he said.
“I know the Secretary has reached out as well and provided an apology.
“I’ve spoken to [her] this morning, I will be meeting with her tomorrow.
“There will be an independent review conducted at arm’s length from government of the process that occurred here.
“I’d expect that to be completed within a period of 30 days.”
one Yesterday was of the most of shocking days my adult life … (leaving) me feeling quite objectified and exhausted