ICAC investigating claims SafeWork SA files were rewritten before inquiry began
SAFEWORK SA’s most sensitive and high profile case files were rewritten in the lead up to a wide-ranging enquiry, evidence tendered to the investigation alleges.
So far, the ICAC inquiry into SafeWorkSA has heard:
- Investigators beset by poor training
- The budget could be cut by $6.4m, threatening worker safety
- There is poor morale after govt cars and parks were cut
- A significant risk of corruption for SafeWork SA inspectors
SAFEWORK SA’s most sensitive and high profile case files were rewritten in the lead up to a wide-ranging enquiry, evidence tendered to the investigation alleges.
The Independent Commission Against Corruption has heard Public Service Association’s claims that finalised SafeWork SA files on workplace fatalities were opened, rewritten and had more evidence added before they were presented to Commissioner Bruce Lander QC.
Mr Lander’s inquiry into the besieged agency started in June, partially in response to SafeWork SA dropping charges against safety inspectors who cleared a Royal Show ride on which 8-year-old Adelene Leong was thrown from and killed in September 2014.
PSA members advised that “files were reopened prior to the commencement of the ICAC evaluation to ensure all materials were complete”.
“The PSA understands that file summaries, supporting evidence and other materials have been added to previously closed files,” their submission reads.
PSA general secretary Nev Kitchin said it was vital for the ICAC evaluation to examine the directions SafeWork SA employees were asked to follow.
“Looking into the reopening and changing of files, especially in the context of the evaluation, could shed some light on the practices and procedures of the management of the regulatory function of SafeWork SA, and whether this conduct could give rise to any concerns about risks to the regulatory function of the organisation,” Mr Kitchin said.
The Advertiser understands that access to the files is monitored and the additional evidence and altered reports will form part of the Mr Lander’s inquiry into the organisation.
An ICAC spokeswoman said the PSA’s submission and Mr Campbell’s response would be considered along with other statements given during the public hearings.
SafeWork SA executive director Martyn Campbell said he was “concerned” at the implication that the files were not correctly finalised at the time.
“The correct closure of compliance files is critical,” Mr Campbell wrote in his final submission to ICAC.
“The (operational and legal support team) will have an oversight and quality control function in this respect going forward but I am concerned that (the PSA’s) statement infers files were closed without the required documentation.
“SafeWork SA will investigate this further and is happy to receive specific information from the PSA in this regard.”
Mr Lander announced he was launching an inquiry into SafeWork SA in May following complaints and reports about the government agency over the last five years.
The mandate of the inquiry was to examine SafeWork’s policies and procedures in an effort to reduce the risks of maladministration and corruption within their ranks.
The inquiry has already heard of looming budget cuts as well as fundamental training and staffing issues within SafeWork SA.