Vic building regulator to be probed over ‘toxic culture’

The Victorian Building Authority will be investigated over allegations of a toxic work culture amid claims a worker who took his own life was bullied and harassed.

The Victorian building regulator is being probed over claims of a toxic workplace culture. Picture: David Crosling

Victoria’s building regulator will be probed over allegations of a toxic culture after the tragic death of one of its workers.

The Victorian Building Authority is under pressure after a staff member took their own life and the public sector union alleges the man was bullied and harassed.

They have called for an independent inquiry amid claims of a toxic workplace culture and the VBA has agreed to investigate the circumstances around the man’s death.

Other requests were that any manager with responsibility for his alleged treatment be immediately stood down.

But the Community and Public Sector Union has not agreed with management about the scope of the inquiry and wants a broader examination of what they believe are serious problems within the VBA.

In a letter to members, the CPSU called for significant steps to be taken.

The Community and Public Sector Union wants a broader examination of what they believe are serious problems within the VBA. Picture: Daniel Pockett

“That, as a matter of urgency, the VBA notify the CPSU about what measures it will take to ensure all VBA employees are immediately provided with a safe workplace,” they wrote.

“That an independent inquiry be held into the toxic workplace culture at VBA.

“This inquiry must have the scope to look at historical matters including employees who have left the organisation, or suffered a workplace injury, in recent years

“These issues are widespread across the whole organisation and not confined to one work area or business unit.”

The union has raised concerns that there is history of workplace cultural problems within the authority and says they do not have confidence in staff in charge of overseeing this.

“In our opinion they have contributed to the toxic workplace culture, condoned inappropriate behaviour and micromanagement of employees.

This has occurred without restraint by senior management.”

Support programs and assistance have been offered to the man’s colleagues and family.

“This is incredibly sad news for our colleague’s family, friends, and workmates, and our thoughts are with them,” a VBA spokesman said.

We have offered support to their family, and our team, and will continue to do so.

As this matter is under investigation, it would be inappropriate to comment further.

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Originally published as Vic building regulator to be probed over ‘toxic culture’