Response to media enquiry - Zero-tolerance towards bullying and harassment

We acknowledge the concerns raised by the Local Member for Shellharbour regarding bullying and harassment. It is important to emphasise that our organisation has a zero-tolerance policy towards such behaviour. Bullying and harassment, in any form, will never be accepted or tolerated within our workplace. 
 
All staff are encouraged and empowered to report any incidents of bullying or harassment.  We continually work to improve the workplace for the benefit of our staff, our operations and continued enhancement of our workplace environment. 

We have requested a copy of the information the Member for Shellharbour holds so that the opportunity is not missed to allow us to address the issue in a timely and effective manner for the wellbeing of staff and the community. 

In recent months Council has continued to enhance the safety of our work environment via multiple health and wellbeing initiatives and the review of policies and risk management in consultation with SafeWork NSW as well as providing compulsory Respect at Work training as well as other voluntary training, wellbeing, and reward and recognition opportunities for staff to participate in.  

We have a continued focus on health and wellbeing and are also working with SafeWork NSW on training programs that will be delivered. As a priority in order to continue to improve the workplace experience for our staff where each of us can be our best selves and thrive at work to  help deliver the best possible service to our community. 

Our commitment to fostering a safe and respectful environment means that all reports will be taken seriously and handled with the utmost confidentiality, care and attention. 

Our doors are always open for collaboration and communication as we continually work to improve the workplace for the benefit of our staff and the services we deliver for our residents.