NEWS DESK
‘Bullying’ claims deserve scrutiny COMMENT
By Neil Walker BULLYING. It’s an emotive word in the modern workplace. Is it a word sometimes bandied about by underperformers or is it now a workplace problem ignored in years gone by? Do managers see it as a serious issue? Over the past four weeks The Times has been seeking answers from Frankston Council about bullying allegations between councillors and, in one instance, a councillor and a staff member. Few answers have been forthcoming. Does the council have a culture of bullying? We simply do not know because it refuses to answer such questions as confirmation of the number of bullying allegations made at the civic centre in the past two years. But given The Times’ experience in trying to seek out the truth over the past few weeks it seems some at the council prefer to avoid even dealing with bullying allegations. Those in the higher echelons at the council prefer silence, evasion, hiding behind legalese and criticising The Times for asking uncomfortable questions. Bullying allegations between councillors erupted into the public areana at last month’s first council meeting of the year. In extraordinary scenes, the meeting was adjourned by the mayor Sandra Mayer as councillors shouted accusations about bullying across
t n a l P Sale
the room. The nine councillors then spent time behind closed doors shouting at each other before resuming their seats in the chamber. When initially asked about bullying allegations between councillors, the mayor claimed there had been no such complaints. The Times subsequently learned there had been several written complaints about bullying to the mayor and it was “[determined] that there was no basis for a formal official complaint”, in Cr Mayer’s words. I believe such equivocation does the mayor no credit. An investigation in 2013 into a WorkCover claim made by a female staff member allegedly bullied by Cr Brian Cunial, has allegedly been “swept under the carpet”, according to council insiders. The Times tried to speak to Cr Cunial for several weeks about the investigation and its outcome. He did not respond. The decision to name Cr Cunial as the alleged bully was not made lightly. Last Monday evening, after the latest public council meeting, Cr Cunial denied knowledge of any WorkCover investigation when he finally addressed the matter. Two days later, he issued a statement which read in part: “In 2013, another councillor and I were interviewed by an insurance investigator in relation to a WorkCover claim by a council employee for anxiety and stress.” I believe such equivocation does
Cr Cunial no credit. Cr Cunial accuses The Times of “choosing to publish ‘hearsay’”. This is not the case. Rather than explaining his role in the WorkCover claim investigation, Cr Cunial now says he “will seek legal advice on the matter”. Council has told The Times the identity of the second councillor involved “is confidential”. Cr Cunial’s statement continues: “It was made clear to me at the time that what was discussed at that interview was confidential and that I was unable to discuss it in any other forum. Therefore, I am unable to respond to media questions, much as I would like to do so.” Which brings us back to the mayor, Cr Mayer, who has also said: “WorkCover investigations are confidential and I am not permitted to discuss any such matters.” Last week the mayor said she had “nothing further to add” when asked how many bullying claims had been made by councillors and council staff at Frankston Council in the past few months. Let’s be clear. The mayor and all councillors at Frankston Council for that matter are publicly elected and, as such, are open to scrutiny insofar as their actions relate to their public duties. The Times will not allow a lack of transparency at the upper levels of council stop investigations about allegations of bullying at council. Frankston deserves to know.
Questions to answer: Frankston mayor Cr Sandra Mayer and Cr Brian Cunial have dodged queries about ‘bullying’ claims at council.
Media allegations on ‘bullying’ THE following statement was received from Cr Brian Cunial on Wednesday 11 February and is published in full: “This statement is made in response to unsubstantiated and false comments made about me in the past two issues of the Frankston Times. On 2 February 2015, the front page of the Frankston Times claimed that “WorkCover was called in to investigate the alleged bullying of a council staff member in 2013” and that “the person at the centre of the WorkCover investigation continues to ‘intimidate’ council staff”. In its 9 February issue, on page 3, The Frankston Times named me – Councillor Brian Cunial – as the alleged bully, as well as publishing my photograph. Any reader could only assume that the original article referred to me. The facts are these: n In 2013, another councillor and I were interviewed by an insurance investigator in relation to a WorkCover claim by a council employee for
anxiety and stress. n Following that interview, I heard nothing more, including no allegations of bullying. n It was made clear to me at the time that what was discussed at that interview was confidential and that I was unable to discuss it in any other forum. Therefore, I am unable to respond to media questions, much as I would like to do so. n I have never been found guilty of bullying anyone. It has been extremely distressing to me to have these false allegations made in the media. The Frankston Times has unfairly tarnished my reputation by choosing to publish ‘hearsay’. On the allegation that I “continue to ‘intimidate’ council staff”, they have provided no evidence because there is none. Council does not tolerate bullying, and nor do I or any of the other councillors. I will seek legal advice on the matter.”
Plant Sale
LILLYPILLY’S
NANDINA
LAVENDER
SILVER BIRCH
from $4.95
$3.95
from $4.95
from $4.95
Wholesale potted plants from $3.95 Massive Range s u Pl Screening plants like Conifers and Pittosporums $3.95
OPEN Ornamental Pears from $39.95 PLUS MUCH MORE 7 days LANDSCAPING AVAILABLE - FREE QUOTES.
427 Coolart Road, Somerville Phone: 5977 8912 PAGE 4
Frankston Times 16 February 2015