The recommendation that the Minister should commission further research is a no-brainer, but it would be best if that research were coupled with the other strategies implemented: evaluating the training programs, the advisory services, the investigation referrals, in addition to the more basic research into prevalence and trends that is highlighted in the report.
Interestingly, Coalition members of the panel included a dissenting report. Though largely supportive of the recommendations, they have concerns about others. Some of the dissenting report reads as though bullying is still viewed as problem at the individual level – prioritising issues of personality, and individual sensitivity.
If only it were that simple. Bullying can be systematised, covert, and involve multiple players over a long period of time. It can affect people who are hard-working, resilient, and accomplished. If the report spurs any lasting attitudinal change, it should be that we move on from the misperception that bullying is just about minor, one-on-one, interpersonal disagreements involving people who somehow bring it on themselves.
Concern is expressed in the dissenting report regarding the adoption of the (forthcoming) National Code of Practice, which is being developed by Safe Work Australia. Elements of an early version of the Code are quite rightly criticised.
The problem is that those elements have long since been removed, and forgotten. An updated version of the draft code was available to the committee, and indeed publicly. This may seem a minor quibble, but it is not the first time the code has been recently condemned by referring to a long-dead preliminary edition. Such misplaced criticisms are unhelpful and alarmist. This area requires cool heads and willing hands.
Of course there are many issues left outstanding, including the different arrangements for workers’ compensation and relevant criminal laws around the states and territories.
This is, however, a very credible start. With any luck those heads and hands will see the recommendations of this report enacted quickly, with appropriate resourcing, cooperation, and concern for making Australia a safer, better place to work.
Carlo Caponecchia is an academic at the University of New South Wales, and holds a bachelors degree and PhD in Psychology. This article first appeared on The Conversation.
